BET J Kicks Off Fall 2007 With a Fresh Slate of Original Programming, Ground-Breaking Short Films and Returning Network Favorites

BET J Kicks Off Fall 2007 With a Fresh Slate of Original Programming, Ground-Breaking Short Films and Returning Network Favorites

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- This fall season, BET J launches a fresh, new slate of original shows, ground-breaking short films and returning favorites to explosively round out the year! Warming up the season, the digital cable channel delivers a sizzling menu of hot shows offering viewers a diverse mix of innovative, unique, and thought-provoking programs to keep viewers tuned in 24/7.

The month of October shines with an unmatched lineup of BET J shows guaranteed to entertain the masses. Kicking of the month are spectacular shows like TEARS, SHEARS & BEAUTY, a reality show granting an inside look at four hair stylists and four barbers' quest to compete at the International Hair Show; LIVING THE LIFE OF MARLEY starring Ky-mani Marley, the all-new, break-out reality show featuring Ky-mani Marley, son of reggae music legend Bob Marley; PARALLEL PATHS, an introspective show that bridges and parallels today's hottest entertainment figures with their inspirational icons; REAL LIFE DIVAS, a returning BET J favorite that profiles beautiful African-American divas; THE BEST SHORTS, a BET J film showcase presenting the best in short films by emerging Black filmmakers; AFRICANA, a new series previewing African-themed films; and TIMELESS, the ultimate musical journey.

Tune in to BET J, the digital cable destination dedicated to providing a complete programming platform that encompasses all cultures, music and lifestyles for the mature viewer!

The following includes program descriptions and schedule for BET J's October 2007 programming:

-- PARALLEL PATHS, a new BET J original show that parallels today's
hottest entertainment personalities with the legendary icons who have
inspired and influenced their own career paths. The first episode
features neo-soul group Kindred and their inspirational icons, Ashford
& Simpson. Monday, October 1 at 8:00 p.m.; Friday, October 5 at
2:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.; and Sunday, October 7 at 5:00 p.m.

-- TEARS, SHEARS & BEAUTY, a funny, yet heated hair battle featuring four
hair styling "fashionistas" and four barbers, who are on a mission for
industry recognition, long-lasting bragging rights, and a chance to
win $20,000 and the coveted title of top hair stylist and barber at
the International Hair Show. Wednesday, October 3 at 8:00 p.m./
5:00 p.m. ET/PT; Thursday, October 4 at 2:30 p.m.; Friday, October 5
at 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, October 7 at 4:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.

-- AFRICANA, a new, BET J film showcase hosted by actor Adewele
Akinnuoye-Agbaje (known for memorable roles in ABC's Lost and HBO's
Oz), and highlighting a crop of ground-breaking African-themed films,
including Teranga Blues, Dole, A Dios Momo, and The Price Of
Forgiveness. Saturday, October 6 at 9:00 p.m.; Sunday, October 7 at
12:00 p.m.; and Wednesday, October 10 at 12:00 a.m.

-- TIMELESS, the ultimate musical journey that details the extraordinary
lives and musical contributions of such artists as Babyface, Run DMC,
Brian McKnight, LL Cool J, Mariah Carey and Queen Latifah. The first
episode features legendary rapper and social activist KRS-One.
Wednesday, October 10 at 9:30 p.m.; Thursday, October 11 at 3:00 p.m.;
Sunday, October 14 at 9:30 a.m.; Tuesday, October 16 at 3:00 p.m.

-- BLACK STORIES, a collection of documentaries and short stories that
exemplify and embrace the Black experience. The first episode
features "Smart Black People", a powerful documentary produced and
directed by Nelson George, and examines the social, economic and
racial influences during the 1980s that greatly impacted and shaped
Black America today. Wednesday, October 10 at 2:00 p.m.; and Friday,
October 12 at 2:00 a.m.

-- REAL LIFE DIVAS, a returning BET J favorite that profiles today's
phenomenal African-American women like best-selling author Terri
McMillan, actress and author Victoria Rowell, R&B music icon Chaka
Khan, filmmaker Debra Martin Chase, and Hip-Hop pioneer MC Lyte; and
the impressive strides they are making in their professional careers
and personal lives. The first episode features actress Vivica A. Fox.
Thursday, October 11 at 10:00 p.m.; Sunday, October 14 at 6:30 p.m.
and 1:30 a.m.; Monday, October 15 at 2:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.; and
Wednesday, October 17 at 8:30 p.m.

-- CONVERSATIONS, an intimate and introspective program giving viewers a
front seat to some of the most thought-provoking and interesting
conversations between BET J head Paxton Baker and such entertainment
luminaries as hip-hop mogul Kevin Liles, songstress Angie Stone, and
R&B crooner Joe to name a few. Monday, October 8 at 8:30 p.m.;
Tuesday, October 9 at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m.; and Sunday, October 14
at 6:00 p.m.

-- LIVING THE LIFE OF MARLEY starring Ky-mani Marley, the all-new,
break-out reality show featuring Ky-mani Marley, the son of reggae
music legend Bob Marley, who is making his own moves to carve a
long-standing mark in reggae music history. Cameras follow the irie
musician as he prepares to release his second CD, renews his role as
"Biggs" in the successful indie film, "Shottas", and hits many concert
stages to bring the infectious, electrifying performance that only a
Marley can bring! Friday, October 26 at 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, October
27 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Tuesday, October 30 at 3:00 a.m.;
Wednesday, October 31 at 10:30 p.m.; Thursday, November 1 at 2:00 p.m.

-- THE BEST SHORTS, a film competition that supports today's emerging
Black filmmakers short films that not only highlight the Black
experience, but also provide the best in drama, comedy, horror and
suspense. Sundays at 8:00 p.m. and Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. and 1:00
a.m.; The Best Shorts film competition finalists' episode. Sunday,
October 28 at 8:00 p.m.; Tuesday, October 30 at 8:00 p.m. and 1:00
a.m.

ABOUT BET J

BET J, a part of BET Digital Networks and a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:VIA.B), is a sophisticated digital network infused with innovative and original programming featuring a unique mix of music, culture and style embracing the Black experience. It is the premier destination for a multicultural audience delivering music from all genres along with movies, riveting talk, concerts and in-depth interview shows. BET J keeps viewers talking with exciting original programs such as: TEARS, SHEARS & BEAUTY, LIVING THE LIFE OF MARLEY, REAL LIFE DIVAS, THE BEST SHORTS, PARALLEL PATHS and TIMELESS, and is currently viewed in over 26 million households and growing.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: BET J

CONTACT: Lyntina Townsend of BET J, +1-202-608-2745,
lyntina.townsend@bet.net

Web site:

http://www.betj.com/
http://www.bet.com/pr

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