Black entertainment TV launching on Sky

A UK version of Black Entertainment Television is to launch on Sky on 28 February 2008. Considered to be the first of its kind in the UK, BET is the leading African American-targeted channel in the US.

Initially BET will rely on shipped-in programming such as student reality show College Hill, crime documentary American Gangster and music show 106 & Park, and it is planned to give the US content a regionalised look and feel.

In the future, home-grown content will be commissioned to give BET an even stronger British accent.

BET Networks has been the leader in providing premium entertainment to African American audiences in the US for more than 27 years. The establishment of BET as the premier destination for UK audiences will enable them to enjoy content that reflects the many viewpoints of the black experience.

BET has been building a presence among its core target audience in the UK for more than two years. Ofcom granted BET its licence in 2007.

It will also extend its Rap-It-Up campaign to the UK. Rap-It-Up promotes sexual health through special shows, online content, a help line and HIV testing events.

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