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Debra Lee, the longtime chairman/CEO of BET Networks, is stepping down from her day-to-day responsibilities at the network, according to an email sent to staff today (Dec. 14) and reviewed by Billboard. Scott Mills, currently executive vp and chief administrative officer at parent company Viacom, will re-join BET Networks as its president beginning Jan. 1.
Lee, who joined BET in 1986 and rose to president/CEO of the network in 2005, will remain at the company, with her role shifting towards an ambassadorial and outreach position for BET's various stakeholders and the community at large. Through the years, Lee has overseen BET's growth in awards shows, scripted programming, live events and documentaries, and this February was honored at Clive Davis and the Recording Academy's annual Pre-Grammy Gala with the Grammy Salute to Industry Icons honor, the first woman to have received that award. She will remain as chairman/CEO.
Lee's exit follows the departure of Stephen Hill, BET Networks' longtime president of programming, who left the company in March amid a larger restructuring within Viacom.
Prior to taking his current role at Viacom, Mills spent 15 years at BET Networks, eventually rising to become its president and COO. Mills, according to the memo, will oversee strategy and operations on a day-to-day basis, including programming, ad sales and digital. Current BET Networks general manager Michael Armstrong will continue to be charged with multi-platform scheduling, marketing, communications and operations, reporting to Mills.
"In her two decades at the helm of BET Networks, Debi has built BET into a truly global entertainment powerhouse, bringing this dominant African American brand to more than 60 countries and 125 million households," said Viacom president and CEO Bob Bakish in a statement. "Her vision and leadership, unmatched intuition for what audiences want, and ability to attract and foster top talent -- both behind and in front of the camera -- have been pivotal to this success. We?re grateful that we will continue to benefit from Debi?s experience and insights.
"Scott is a proven leader who has made exceptional contributions to Viacom and BET for more than 20 years," Bakish continued. "His strong relationships across the industry -- which were instrumental in securing our recent cross-house deal with Tyler Perry -- as well as his track record of success initiating innovative creative ventures, including BET Experience, make him the right person for this role, as we continue to extend this brand across platforms and markets around the world."
Good. I was sick of seeing that stuffed pig prance around the BET Awards every year.
Quote from: Nine on December 14, 2017, 02:12:14 PM
Good. I was sick of seeing that stuffed pig prance around the BET Awards every year.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Hope the new president brings music back on a day to day basis
I hope they bring back the reality TV
Cuz college hill made me want to go to an HBCU ack!
Quote from: 'ology on December 14, 2017, 02:20:56 PM
I hope they bring back the reality TV
Cuz college hill made me want to go to an HBCU ack!
Under this new presidency it could very much happen. Anything's possible.
hope they bring back cita tbh
Quote from: Lazarus on December 14, 2017, 02:34:55 PM
Quote from: 'ology on December 14, 2017, 02:20:56 PM
I hope they bring back the reality TV
Cuz college hill made me want to go to an HBCU ack!
Under this new presidency it could very much happen. Anything's possible.
r u..
Omg my finger slipped 4 times I meant happy holidays LOLZ!
hjBkjdddddddd
What exactly does BET have?
I can't remember the last time I watched anything on BET other than Reruns and the BET Awards.
The fact that we have a black Network but the only way to get quality black shows was to wait for Fox, CBS, ABC etc to get it together.
Why don't we have a black American Horror Story or Game of Thrones shit.
Quote from: 20.ulanigida.18 on December 14, 2017, 02:37:19 PM
Quote from: Lazarus on December 14, 2017, 02:34:55 PM
Quote from: 'ology on December 14, 2017, 02:20:56 PM
I hope they bring back the reality TV
Cuz college hill made me want to go to an HBCU ack!
Under this new presidency it could very much happen. Anything's possible.
r u..
:woohoo:
Quote from: 'ology on December 14, 2017, 02:38:43 PM
Omg my finger slipped 4 times I meant happy holidays LOLZ!
j llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
Quote from: Uzi on December 14, 2017, 02:41:10 PM
hjBkjdddddddd
What exactly does BET have?
clearly not enough educational programmming
what a problematic question to ask
Bump. This was announced back in Dec.
BET needs a new direction and some fresh ideas/blood. Wishing her the best, but she is overdue for a departure.