VIMN Placing BET Channel in France

LONDON: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) and BET International have revealed that BET will launch a 24-hour channel and multiscreen service in France next month.

The channel will offer a window into "U.S. Black Culture" inspired by urban culture, music, fashion and society. It is slated to begin broadcasting on November 17. The French network's lineup will include such international titles as Real Husbands of Hollywood, Being Mary Jane, Nellyville and The Wendy Williams Show, as well as the BET Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards and Black Girls Rock. There will also be local productions from France.

The launch of BET in France will feature a linear channel as well as nonlinear services offered through VIMN's key French affiliate partners, including Canalsat, Numericable/SFR, Free, Bouygues Telecom, in addition to a dedicated website, a BET app offering exclusive videos and BET Radio, and social-media accounts. With all of these elements, VIMN will increase BET's audience in France reaching 17.6 million households in the market.

Debra L. Lee, the chairman and CEO of BET Networks, said: "What a tremendous and exciting launch for BET Networks! We have worked diligently toward this day of bringing BET to France and are excited to deliver our authentic voice that reflects, respects and elevates the diversity of our audiences across the world. We’re thrilled to continue our tradition of working with established and upcoming Black talent. Stay tuned later this month, when the network will launch a New Faces search across the country."

Michael D Armstrong, the executive VP and general manager of international brand development, noted: "We are excited to announce the launch of the BET channel in France. Globally, this launch will increase BET's global reach to over 125M HH across North America, the Caribbean, the U.K., Africa and France. We are the leading choice for viewers around the world who look to BET for compelling scripted, reality, award shows, music and news programming. We continue to grow the brand internationally and reach more audiences with our award winning content."

Raffaele Annechino, the executive VP and managing director of VIMN South Europe, Middle East and Africa, added: "The BET brand is a welcome addition to our offering in the French market. This full channel launch expands our distribution in France, one of the biggest markets in Europe, to 19 channels, in addition to our multiplatform products and the content available via all devices."