BET Takes Wendy Williams Show

NEW YORK: Viacom’s BET Networks has signed on for a second season of Debmar-Mercury’s The Wendy Williams Show for a fall premiere, and has scooped up international rights to the talk show.

BET Networks has agreed to air the show on its international networks in the U.K, Africa and the Middle East starting in July. "Wendy has been an important element in the network’s success this year and we are thrilled to have her talk show back for a second season," said Barbara Zaneri, executive VP of program strategy, scheduling and acquisitions, who brought the series to BET in July 2009. "We also believe Wendy’s universal appeal will translate to all corners of the world, making her a key player for BET’s international networks as well."

Michael D. Armstrong, senior VP and general manager of BET International, added: "The addition of The Wendy Williams Show to BET’s international weekday lineup further positions us as one of the best entertainment channels available. Wendy has the uncanny ability to make both her guests and viewers feel like they’ve known her all their lives. In a classic Wendyism, BET International’s viewers will soon make Wendy a ‘friend in their head.’"

The syndicated talk show has also been renewed on stations covering more than 80 percent of the U.S.