When was black entertainment television created

Cynopsis: When it comes to scripted television, why is it important for African Americans or any under-recognized group to see themselves and their culture represented onscreen? While there are certain issues that all can relate to, there are some issues that are region-specific, gender-specific and race-specific. Being Mary Jane has been so important in the canon of African-American television because it unabashedly deals with issues concerning Black women.

In return, scores of our audience have responded positively to finally having a TV character that is relatable and identifiable. Cynopsis: The popularity of shows like Empire and Scandal should only hasten the inclusion of more lead characters of color on television. Will that help or hurt BET? Hill: Our audience is passionate about the brand, so we plan to continue to be there for them and find new, exciting ways to interact with them in a way that no other brand can.

The show focused on issues relevant to the black community and pop culture, bringing black voices to the focus on national television. In , the network became the first black-controlled TV company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and so was breaking the boundaries of black entertainment and creating a space for the voices that were marginalised by white America.

This news became the most popular aspect of BET. Gordon was a household name and hosted a variety of programs such as Black Men Speak Out: The Aftermath , which related to the Los Angeles riots, where Rodney King was the victim of police brutality from 4 different officers.

Gordon even conducted the first interview with then President George H. Bush after the riots. The initial impetus that helped turn Black Entertainment Television from an idea into reality came during a minute conversation in That was really the start of it. By that time, Johnson had already traveled a long way. Born into a poor Mississippi family, he excelled in school and was the first of his siblings to attend college.

In , Johnson started down a very different career path. After a chance meeting with an NCTA employee at a party, he landed a job as vice president of government relations with the association. That entrepreneurial spirit quickly fueled his dreams. Other operators who were battling to get franchises in urban areas were enthusiastic. By the time BET launched as a weekly two-hour programming block on Jan.

Johnson quickly moved to expand the company's programming. By , it had a hour schedule. Most of its early entertainment consisted of music videos, reruns of old black situation comedies and some original programs. The company lost money during its first several years but began to turn profitable by the mid s. It also initiated changes in its format. BET by began to diversify its programming, adding politically-oriented news programs, comedy showcases, talk shows and sports features.

Gordon also served as host of a number of other programs and specials for BET, most notably a candid, in-depth interview in with former Heisman trophy winner and Hall of Fame football player Orenthal O. Simpson , who recently had been acquitted of murdering his wife.