BET Exec to Lead Paramount Pictures Channels Expansion

LONDON/NEW YORK: Michael D. Armstrong, who heads up BET International, is expanding his remit to include the development of Paramount Pictures’ non-premium channels in the international market, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) announced today.

As senior VP and general manager of BET International and Paramount Pictures Channels, Armstrong reports directly to Bob Bakish, the president and CEO of VIMN. “With BET International now under the VIMN umbrella, we’ve brought along one of the best and brightest executives in our organization, and the media industry as a whole, to lead it,” said Bakish. “Under Mike’s direction we intend to expand the global reach of the BET brand and develop new international channels for Paramount Pictures. We’re excited to have him spearheading these efforts as we strengthen our already significant footprint and scale in the international arena.”

He has led BET International since May 2006, following several other positions at MTV Networks.