BET

I wanted to learn more about BET as a television network. So, where did I first start in order to learn the most broad facts? Wikipedia, of course.

It explained how BET is mostly known for its rap and R&B music videos. However, it did not always start this way. Programming included comedies, news, public affairs and music. What happened that made this drastic change to just music programming? Money.

Television is becoming more and more of an outlet to make money. I am not saying that it hasn't always been that way, but even more so today. TV isn't here just to inform its consumers of the daily news. The news itself is chosen by what is going to receive the most viewers.

There are not just five channels anymore like back in the day. There are hundreds of channels all wanting to have the highest viewership. On Sunday mornings, BET previously hosted a Christian show with gospel music. This network programming has completely changed since Viacom took over. BET has turned into MTV featuring the African American community, but produced for a Caucasian audience. Is it more important for our society to make money rather than promoting minorities and displaying them more throughout the media?