Image credit: Tyler Perry
The American actor, filmmaker and playwright Tyler Perry becomes the new owner of BET.
As per Streamr, Black Entertainment Television and VH1 will now be controled by them. There previous owner was Paramount. Though Perry, BET or Paramount has not yet confirm this information. If this becomes a success then Perry will launch BET+ streaming platform which will come up with original TV and film projects produced by Perry himself.
The BET was initially founded by Bob Johnson in 1980. It provides Black content and gives opportunities to minoritie to prove their work on TV. In 2000, Johnson sold BET to Viacom ( now known as Paramount) for for $2.3 billion. Perry had given several original programs on BET+ since 2000. If Perry confirms the deal, he may add cable station as well as streaming service to his media including 330-acre Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
Apart from this, BET will also receive ad dollars for the minorities owned media companies.