BET J, the Digital Channel that Delivers a Whole New World of Entertainment, Unveils Its Fall 2008 Programming Slate

BET J, the Digital Channel that Delivers a Whole New World of Entertainment, Unveils Its Fall 2008 Programming Slate

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- BET J unveils a programming menu that showcases four new shows, CARMELO'S WAY, LEADING MEN, MONEY POWER RESPECT and URBAN CUISINE for the Fall 2008 season. The new series, in addition to returning favorites such as, REAL LIFE DIVAS and TEARS SHEARS AND BEAUTY are guaranteed to keep BET J viewers thoroughly entertained this fall season. The adult complement to BET, BET J continues to provide a sizzling lineup of hot shows that are a diverse mix of innovative, unique, and thought-provoking programs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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BET J shines in Fall 2008 with the launch of four shows starting Monday, October 27 at 8:00 p.m.* with the new series premiere of URBAN CUISINE, a unique cooking show featuring upscale and healthy cuisine created by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson and special guest appearances, including gospel artist and Broadway actor BeBe Winans, R&B singer Joe and violinist Miri Ben-Ari. MPR: PROFILES OF URBAN ENTREPRENEURS, a new BET J series, profiles today's young, black entrepreneurs like Tyra Banks and Russell Simmons, and explores the lucrative business ideas that made them a financial success in the new episode premiere on Wednesday, October 29 at 8:00 p.m.*, followed by the new series premiere of CARMELO'S WAY, which follows the fast-paced life of NBA star and 2008 U.S. Olympic Gold medalist Carmelo Anthony both on and off the basketball court at 10:00 p.m.*. LEADING MEN, a new series that highlights the dynamic lives and profound impact of today's prominent African-American men like Hill Harper, Wyclef Jean and Terrence Howard rounds out the show lineup with its season premiere on Wednesday, October 29 at 10:30 p.m.*

Viewers also welcome popular returning favorites including REAL LIFE DIVAS, which grants access into the lives of regal African-American women including Iman, Naomi Campbell, Sanaa Lathan and Tracy Edmonds premiering Thursday, October 30 at 9:30 p.m.* in a special one-hour episode (all subsequent episodes air every Thursday at 10:00 p.m.*). The juicy, controversial urban hair reality show, TEARS SHEARS AND BEAUTY returns on Thursday, October 30 at 10:30 p.m.* boasting new host Darrin Henson, a whole new cast of colorful characters, and drama-filled hair stylist, Derek J! URBAN LIVIN, featuring interior design guru Helen Bailey, inspires viewers with new ideas for decorating and revamping the home, returns with its season episode premiere on Monday, October 27 at 8:30 p.m.*; and on Friday, October 31 at 10:30 p.m.*, the cool, funky sounds of LYRIC CAFE returns with new show co-hosts Raheem DeVaughn and Ledisi supplying viewers with the ultimate spoken word experience and spectacular music performances by Chrisette Michelle, DC's own Chuck Brown and more!

For more information about BET J's Fall 2008 shows, please go to http://www.betj.com/.

*All times ET/PT

ABOUT BET J

BET J, 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 premiere 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: CARMELO'S WAY, LEADING MEN, REAL LIFE DIVAS, THE BEST SHORTS and SOUL SESSIONS, and is currently viewed in over 32 million households and growing.

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 87 million households according to Nielsen Media Research, and can be seen in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET Digital Networks -- BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, an extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

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Source: BET Networks

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

Web site: http://www.bet.com/
http://www.betj.com/

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