MTV BASE & BET COME UNDER ONE AFRICAN UMBRELLA

Viacom International Media Networks Africa(VIMN Africa) announced yesterday that general entertainment network BET is to expand its African TV footprint following the signing of a new distribution deal that will see BET distributed on the My TV pay-TV platform.

As of 1 June 2012, the English language service BET is now distributed 24 hours a day to viewers in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe on MyTV. Currently available in 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, BET is also distributed via a number of different pay-TV platforms, including DStv,Top TV, Zuku and StarTimes.

Containing an appealing mix of US and international general entertainment content,BET offers a wide range of programming, including:urban and gospel music shows such as:106 & Park and Sunday Best; BET original sitcoms such as Reed Between the Lines and Let’s Stay Together;Spotlight, an original series showcasing intimate interviews with some of Nigeria’s top musical artists, producers and directors;awards shows such as the BET Awards, BET Honors and the BET Hip Hop Awards; and more.The BET Awards ’12 will premiere on BET in Africa on Tuesday 3 July at 8pm WAT.

Commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, VIMN Africa, ”BET is a great addition to our portfolio in sub-Saharan Africa and we are delighted to partner with MyTV to further expand BET to audiences in East, West and Central Africa.”

Carine Mouawad, Head of Programming for My TV said: “We are thrilled to introduce BET to our bouquet and are confident that the channel will prove hugely successful with our subscribers.”

As of 2011, BET is distributed and marketed by VIMN’s operations in Africa (formerly known as MTV Networks Africa), as part of the company’s African multimedia portfolio, alongside sister channels MTV, MTV Base, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and VH1.