BET Appoints New Programming Chiefs

NEW YORK, November 13: BET
Networks has made two new leadership appointments to its programming team, both
of whom will report to Debra Lee, the company's chairman and CEO.

As president of
programming, Loretha Jones will oversee original programming, news,
development, planning and acquisitions for BET. Jones will be based in Los
Angeles. Prior to joining BET Networks, Jones served as the executive VP of MTV
Films/Paramount Pictures.

Stephen Hill has been
promoted to president of programming, charged with oversight for all music
programming and specials for the network. He will continue to be based in New
York. Hill previously served as the executive VP of music programming and
talent for BET, where he has overseen production of programs such as 106 & Park and Rap City.

"I'm thrilled to welcome
Loretha to the BET Networks family, and I'm so excited about Stephen's
promotion," said Lee. "We've made great strides over the last few
years with our original programming strategy, and this development is the next
step in our evolution and in building on what we've already achieved.

"Loretha has spent
her entire career working in the entertainment industry and has a wealth of
experience—not to mention a strong passion for the BET brand, fantastic
energy, ground-breaking ideas and strong industry relationships," Lee
continued. "Stephen has done an incredible job during his tenure at BET
Networks, thanks to his unparalleled creativity, his remarkable ability to
produce unforgettable, buzz-worthy shows and his knack for knowing the 'next
big thing.' I'm so proud of the path we're on, and I believe that the
unbeatable combination of Loretha and Stephen gives us the right mix of skills,
talent relationships, originality and imagination to bring us even more
success."

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski