New Cable Channel from BET

NEW YORK: Showcasing its upcoming programming slate at its Upfront presentation in New York, BET Networks announced the launch of a new entertainment and music channel, called Centric, targeting affluent African-American adults.

The new service, slated for a Q4 rollout into almost 45 million homes, was created and developed by executives at BET Networks and MTV Networks. Its lineup will include Keeping Up with the Joneses, focusing on Houston high society; Model City, about young African-American male models trying to make it in New York City; Real Life Divas and Leading Men, profile shows about African-American women and men who have impacted American culture; and Urban Livin’, a lifestyle interior design show.

BET Networks has also lineup up a slate of new original programming for its flagship BET channel, including The Mo’Nique Show, a nightly talk/variety series; Changing Lanes, produced with The 909 Group and NASCAR Media Group, which searches for aspiring race-car drivers; Crews Control, focused on actor Terry Crews and his family; Monica: Still Standing, a docu-drama that follows the Grammy Award-winning singer on her comeback trail; and The Hollywood Treatment, a new reality series pairing celebrities with individuals trying to change their lives.

Debra L. Lee, chairman and CEO of BET Networks, noted: "Given the historic change our country has experienced, this is the perfect time for BET Networks to re-examine where we are as a company and what we can be for our audience. As the number one African- American media company in the world, we have a unique opportunity to make the world of our audience better and provide them with quality entertainment that speaks to where they are in their lives and where they want to go. BET’s reinvigorated approach is built on supporting families, embracing and encouraging their dreams, focusing on the issues that are important to them and presenting the freshest talent and entertainment."