Media
A UK version of Black Entertainment Television will launch on Sky next week, it has been confirmed.
BET is the leading African American-targeted channel in America and says it will be the first of its kind in the UK.
Its US content will be given "a regionalised look and feel", said BET Networks. The broadcaster is looking to commission home-grown content in the future "to give BET an even stronger British accent".
Initially BET will rely on shipped-in programming such as student reality show College Hill, crime documentary American Gangster and music show 106 & Park.
It will start airing free-to-view on Sky on February 28.
Debra Lee, chairman and chief executive at Viacom-owned BET Networks, said the UK channel was a big move in its "commitment to expand the BET brand internationally".
"For more than 27 years, BET Networks has been the leader in providing premium entertainment to African American audiences, and we're so excited to establish BET as the premier destination for UK audiences to enjoy content that reflects the many viewpoints of the black experience," she added.
Michael Armstrong, BET's international manager, said: "BET has been building a presence among our core target audience in the United Kingdom for more than two years."
BET will also extend its Rap-It-Up campaign to the UK which promotes sexual health through special shows, online content, a help line and HIV testing events.
Ofcom granted BET its licence last year.
BET is the leading African American-targeted channel in America and says it will be the first of its kind in the UK.
Its US content will be given "a regionalised look and feel", said BET Networks. The broadcaster is looking to commission home-grown content in the future "to give BET an even stronger British accent".
Initially BET will rely on shipped-in programming such as student reality show College Hill, crime documentary American Gangster and music show 106 & Park.
It will start airing free-to-view on Sky on February 28.
Debra Lee, chairman and chief executive at Viacom-owned BET Networks, said the UK channel was a big move in its "commitment to expand the BET brand internationally".
"For more than 27 years, BET Networks has been the leader in providing premium entertainment to African American audiences, and we're so excited to establish BET as the premier destination for UK audiences to enjoy content that reflects the many viewpoints of the black experience," she added.
Michael Armstrong, BET's international manager, said: "BET has been building a presence among our core target audience in the United Kingdom for more than two years."
BET will also extend its Rap-It-Up campaign to the UK which promotes sexual health through special shows, online content, a help line and HIV testing events.
Ofcom granted BET its licence last year.
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