BET Networks Announces New Shows, a New Brand Strategy and a New Network at its 2009 Upfront Presentation

BET Networks Announces New Shows, a New Brand Strategy and a New Network at its 2009 Upfront Presentation

Robust New Programming Line-Up Includes Late Night Variety Show with Mo'Nique, Reality Docudramas, Compelling News Programs, Returning Hit Series and Unparalleled Mega-Specials

BET Networks Announces the Launch of New Entertainment and Music Channel, CENTRIC

Presentation Features Special Appearances by Mary J. Blige, Mo'Nique, Anita Baker, Monica, MC Lyte, Mario Van Peebles, Jonathan Smith and More

NEW YORK, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- During its annual Upfront presentation to the advertising community, BET Networks will reveal a new, reinvigorated direction for the company at New York City's Nokia Theatre. Touting "This Is The Time," BET Networks will reinforce its leadership role as the leading media and entertainment brand for African Americans and consumers of Black culture through new programming announcements, as well as the unveiling of a new brand strategy, compelling research and consumer insights, and the launch of a new cable network, CENTRIC.

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"Given the historic change our country has experienced, this is the perfect time for BET Networks to re-examine where we are as a company and what we can be for our audience," said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, BET Networks. "As the #1 African American media company in the world, we have a unique opportunity to make the world of our audience better and provide them with quality entertainment that speaks to where they are in their lives and where they want to go. BET's reinvigorated approach is built on supporting families, embracing and encouraging their dreams, focusing on the issues that are important to them and presenting the freshest talent and entertainment."

"Coming off a hugely successful first quarter, with viewership on BET up 10% and BET.com page views up 77%, we're confident that our new programming line-up and brand strategy will allow us to build on our strong momentum," said Scott Mills, President and Chief Operating Officer, BET Networks. "We're also extremely excited about the launch of our new network, CENTRIC, which is designed for, focused on and central to the African American adult experience."

"In this ever-cluttered media environment, BET brings our advertising partners closer to the African American consumer than any other media company," said Louis Carr, President of Broadcast Media Sales, BET Networks. "Our research has shown us what our viewers expect and what they want from us, and we're responding by giving them the content that reflects and is relevant to who they are, is respectful of what they want to be, and elevates them to where they want to go. We'll be offering exciting new programming that will give our partners an unprecedented, powerful way to connect with these consumers - young trendsetters, community organizers and trustees, and hard-working, multi-generational families."

NEW PROGRAMMING ON BET

During the Upfront presentation, BET will announce several new original series, including:

-- THE MO'NIQUE SHOW, the network's new nightly talk/variety show
featuring the incomparable actress/comedienne;
-- CHANGING LANES, in partnership with The 909 Group and NASCAR Media
Group, a unique and exciting series chronicling the search for the
sport's next generation of drivers;
-- CREWS CONTROL, a reality series about the life of talented actor Terry
Crews (Everybody Hates Chris, Terminator Salvation), his wife Rebecca
and their five kids;
-- MONICA: STILL STANDING, a new docu-drama following the GRAMMY(R)
Award-winning artist as she balances raising a young family and making
her comeback in the music industry; and

-- THE HOLLYWOOD TREATMENT, a powerful reality series that pairs
celebrities with individuals looking to transform their lives.

Returning series include 106 & PARK, the #1 music variety show on cable television; BET's hit gospel competition series SUNDAY BEST; and the #1 new original series on BET in 2008, BROTHERS TO BRUTHA.

CENTRIC: A NEW BET NETWORK

BET Networks also will announce its new entertainment and music channel, CENTRIC. This new network - aimed at today's affluent, trend-setting, sophisticated African American adult - was created through the collective creative resources and expertise of BET Networks and MTV Networks, and is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2009 in nearly 45 million homes.

Programming offered on CENTRIC will include: KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES, which will follow the drama-filled lives of Houston's high society; MODEL CITY, a series about young African American male models trying to make it in New York City; REAL LIFE DIVAS and LEADING MEN, profile shows about African American women and men who have impacted American culture; and URBAN LIVIN', a chic lifestyle interior design show.

MORE ON BET AND CENTRIC'S NEW PROGRAMMING

Included in today's Upfront presentation will be announcements regarding upcoming new series on BET and the network's returning hits:

Upcoming New Series on BET

-- THE MO'NIQUE SHOW - Whatever the subject, when Mo'Nique talks about
it, everything is up for discussion. The no-holds-barred two-time host
of the BET AWARDS and Sundance Festival Award-winning dramatic actor
brings her signature style and fun to this new late night talk show.
Without a doubt, Mo'Nique will be bringing the magic back to late
night. SCHEDULED TO PREMIERE Q4 2009

-- CHANGING LANES - Jonathan Smith and Michael Cherry are fresh faces
chasing their racing dreams in NASCAR. BET embarks on its own great
race to discover tomorrow's stars in America's most-watched form of
motorsports with a blazing hot one-hour series chronicling the search
for the sport's next generation of drivers. SCHEDULED TO PREMIERE Q2
2010

-- CREWS CONTROL - Veteran actor Terry Crews (Everybody Hates Chris) and
his vivacious, no-nonsense wife Rebecca have been through a lot in
their 20-year marriage. On the outside, they are the picture of class
and calm. But behind closed doors, this Hollywood power couple
struggles like all families do. Watch as they work to instill
traditional Christian values in their five children -- four daughters
and one son ranging in age from 22 to 3. SCHEDULED TO PREMIERE Q1 2010

-- FIRST IN - FIRST IN is a reality docu-drama that drops viewers into
the world of a city's real life heroes: the men and women of emergency
response teams (firefighters and paramedics) who are the first on the
scene of accidents and crimes. The minute the station alarm goes off
the camera goes on. Viewers are taken inside emergency vehicles, on
the chase to save lives and eventually into Compton's local hospital.
Whether it's a fight with fire or with a crack abuser, this team is
FIRST IN. Their stories will rivet audiences like no other original
series. SCHEDULED TO PREMIERE Q4 2009

-- THE HOLLYWOOD TREATMENT - Mary J. Blige stars in the pilot of this
makeover reality show with a big heart. Each week, a celebrity helps
to give an individual a life transformation in partnership with a
foundation chosen by the celebrity or individual. SCHEDULED TO
PREMIERE Q1 2010

-- MONICA: STILL STANDING - Follow GRAMMY(R) Award-winning singer Monica
as she balances raising a young family and making a comeback in the
music world. SCHEDULED TO PREMIERE Q4 2009

-- PAY IT OFF - The first game show to give contestants the chance to get
out of the red comes to BET. PAY IT OFF explores the personal debt
dilemmas of everyday people, then challenges them to pay off their
bills one at a time. SCHEDULED TO PREMIERE Q4 2009

-- A TIME TO LAUGH - Hosted by Stellar Award-winning Gospel dynamo Vickie
Winans, this new series packs a hilarious punch with the best in
gospel stand-up with dynamic dancers, musical artists, and fast-paced
Bible story improv from a fresh urban contemporary perspective.
SCHEDULED TO PREMIERE Q1 2010

Upcoming BET News Programming

-- THE BOTTOM LINE - How do the decisions made in the Oval Office, the
Supreme Court and the halls of Congress affect our daily lives? How do
the edicts and policies from our churches, cultural institutions and
advocacy organizations impact our communities and families? Each week
BET News will rise above the clatter of cable chatter and get to THE
BOTTOM LINE on Black America's most pressing issues. Each week a
diverse panel of our most prolific writers, thinkers, leaders and
cultural icons will provide vital insight and analysis. SCHEDULED TO
PREMIERE Q1 2010

-- HEART OF THE CITY - From gang wars to police brutality to the sexually
transmitted disease epidemic facing young women, BET News goes inside
America's cities to examine the issues devastating our communities and
their impact on residents. HEART OF THE CITY will tell the stories of
those most directly affected, and go beyond simply reporting on the
challenges to highlighting the efforts of those working tirelessly to
create change with real solutions. SCHEDULED TO PREMIERE Q3 2009

-- IN DEPTH - Our lives are often misunderstood, and consequently, are in
turn critically misinterpreted by mainstream media. We seldom get the
chance to tell our own stories. Enter IN DEPTH, an on-going series of
quarterly specials examining our lives and the trends and influences
that define who we are as a community. From the crippling AIDS
epidemic to the current realities facing Black women to the
ever-changing structure of the Black family, IN DEPTH will tell the
stories and uncover the facts, revealing our truths. IN DEPTH gives
voice to the lives and experiences of Black people in America from the
unique, award-winning perspective of BET News. SCHEDULED TO PREMIERE
Q4 2009

Returning Hits on BET

-- 106 & PARK - The network's flagship music program is also the #1 music
variety show on cable television. 106 & PARK continues to count down
the top 10 video hits as the biggest celebrities hit the couch and the
stage with hosts Terrence and Rocsi. From its eye-catching new set to
interactive new segments and the liveliest audience ever, 106 & PARK
wins by a landslide!

-- BOBBY JONES GOSPEL - GRAMMY(R) winner Dr. Bobby Jones, Jr., the
"Ambassador of Gospel" and host of the longest continuously running
original series on cable television, delivers his ministry and praise
on the network's flagship gospel program and the longest-running
gospel program on cable. This weekly standout features joyous
performances and riveting interviews from gospel music's most talented
entertainers, choirs, evangelists, and others.

-- BROTHERS TO BRUTHA - BROTHERS TO BRUTHA is BET's #1 new original
series of 2008. Season one of this heart-wrenching family reality
smash asked the question: can their music heal their past? Now that
the album is complete, season two shows us the impact fame and acclaim
have on the brothers...and the group as a whole. RETURNING Q4 2009

-- SUNDAY BEST - Season one discovered gospel sensation Crystal Aikin.
Right from the gate, season two smashed ratings records in its new
time slot. As television's #1 gospel series, SUNDAY BEST promises to
sweep the nation with another big win for a third season as BET
searches for the next great gospel star! RETURNING Q1 2010

Returning Mega-Specials on BET

-- BET AWARDS '10 - The BET AWARDS is the #1 program in cable television
history among Black households, and #1 with African American viewers
18-34 for the seventh consecutive year. This year's show promises to
set even bigger milestones. RETURNING Q2 2010

-- CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL - CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL rings in each new year
with awe-inspiring power and anointed, electrifying performances.
Always a star-studded gathering of gospel and R&B greats, CELEBRATION
OF GOSPEL holds the crown as the highest-rated gospel program anywhere
on television for eight years running. RETURNING Q1 2010

-- BET HIP HOP AWARDS - The BET HIP HOP AWARDS specifically pay tribute
to a culture that changed the world. With style, substance, and
swagger like no other, the BET HIP HOP AWARDS 2008 was the #1 hip-hop
themed telecast on television for the third consecutive year.
RETURNING Q4 2009

-- THE BET HONORS - THE BET HONORS celebrates our best and brightest:
entrepreneurs, corporate citizens, educators, public servants and
entertainers are lauded with moving musical tributes. Hailed by The
Washington Post as an event that "favored achievement with honor over
gaudy success," THE BET HONORS is the bridge between generations.
RETURNING Q1 2010

-- RIP THE RUNWAY - RIP THE RUNWAY sets the best of Black fashion to
music. Electric performances, bold designers and sexy models melt the
winter chill. No wonder it's the #1 fashion themed telecast on
television three years running! RETURNING Q1 2010

-- SPRING BLING - SPRING BLING is the ultimate spring break celebration
that has become a BET staple. The week is full of incredible
performances, picture-perfect young men and women, and the hottest new
shows under the sun. RETURNING Q2 2010

Upcoming Documentaries on BET

-- BRING YOUR A-GAME - Through a partnership with the 21st Century
Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, BET will present
BRING YOUR A-GAME, a documentary that sheds light on the resilience
and influence of Black males and features Chris Rock, Diddy, Dick
Parsons, Hill Harper and more. SCHEDULED TO PREMIERE Q3 2009

-- PRESSURE COOKER - PRESSURE COOKER is a powerful documentary that
follows a dedicated Baltimore-based teacher and her students, who win
scholarships by unconventional means: through a gourmet cooking
contest. SCHEDULED TO PREMIERE Q4 2009

Upcoming Programming on Centric

-- KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES - Follow the lives of Houston's high
society in this new series, KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES. PREMIERING Q1
2010

-- MODEL CITY - This new series takes a look at the world behind the
runway, featuring young Black male models trying to make it in New
York City. PREMIERING Q1 2010

-- LEADING MEN - Meet the LEADING MEN who live their lives in public and
allow viewers to take a rare look at their private side. Prominent
African American men who have impacted American culture artistically,
socially, and politically are candid and revealing. PREMIERING Q4 2009

-- REAL LIFE DIVAS - REAL LIFE DIVAS gives a behind-the-scenes look and
an intimate sneak peak into phenomenal divas' lives as they share
their personal accounts about their meteoric celebrity rise to fame,
and how they've overcome their personal challenges to effortlessly
balancing family and demanding careers. PREMIERING Q4 2009

-- URBAN LIVIN' - Hosted by esteemed interior design guru Helen Bailey,
URBAN LIVIN' inspires viewers with new ideas for decorating and
revamping the home. PREMIERING Q4 2009

For up-to-the-minute and archival press information including releases and photographs, visit BET's press-only Web site at www.bet.com/pr.

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 98 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; 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, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Jeanine Liburd, +1-212-205-3011, jeanine.liburd@bet.net, or
Bernadette Simpao, +1-212-205-3154, bernadette.simpao@bet.net, both of BET
Networks

Web Site: http://www.bet.com/

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