6:00 pm - 10/19/2012
From EURWeb: Since the Johnsons sold BET to the wolves, the network has taken on a new look, new theme, and a new direction. And neither side seems very happy about it.
Sheila Johnson, co-founder of the black network, gave BET a piece of her mind before, and she did it again, recently.
She was the speaker at the “Conversations and Encounters” program at the Carmel Art and Film Festival in Monterey County, Calif. this weekend.
She shared her story about the successes and life achievements both she and her husband built together over the years, expressing that she is most proud of BET’s Teen Summit, which ran from 1989 to 2002.
But her moment of admitted accomplishments quickly turned to what appeared to be disappointment and built up anger; claiming that her product now ”reinforces negative stereotypes of young people, African Americans in particular.”
She also said:
“I think we squandered a really important cable network, when it really could have been the voice of Black America. We’re losing our voice as a race as a result,” she ranted. “I’m really worried about what our young people are watching. There are so many young people who are using the television as a babysitter. We have parents who are not being parents and not monitoring what their children are watching.”
Source
I don't think BET is the only culprit here but I do agree that it can do so much better.
Sheila Johnson, BET Co-Founder, Thinks Network is a ‘Squandered’ Opportunity.
From EURWeb: Since the Johnsons sold BET to the wolves, the network has taken on a new look, new theme, and a new direction. And neither side seems very happy about it.
Sheila Johnson, co-founder of the black network, gave BET a piece of her mind before, and she did it again, recently.
She was the speaker at the “Conversations and Encounters” program at the Carmel Art and Film Festival in Monterey County, Calif. this weekend.
She shared her story about the successes and life achievements both she and her husband built together over the years, expressing that she is most proud of BET’s Teen Summit, which ran from 1989 to 2002.
But her moment of admitted accomplishments quickly turned to what appeared to be disappointment and built up anger; claiming that her product now ”reinforces negative stereotypes of young people, African Americans in particular.”
She also said:
“I think we squandered a really important cable network, when it really could have been the voice of Black America. We’re losing our voice as a race as a result,” she ranted. “I’m really worried about what our young people are watching. There are so many young people who are using the television as a babysitter. We have parents who are not being parents and not monitoring what their children are watching.”
Source
I don't think BET is the only culprit here but I do agree that it can do so much better.
Edited at 2012-10-20 01:52 am (UTC)
And some random urban sports movie about black athletes triumphing.
B/c the BET I have plays 106, The game, videos and church all day.
Edited at 2012-10-20 01:55 am (UTC)
Followed by hours of early morning prayer services. It defies logic.
Debra Lee for people who don't know is the Chairman of B.E.T.
LMFAO
Now? It reinforced negative stereotypes while she and her ex husband were still in control. BET is not as bad as it used to be imo. It was actually at its height in coonery while Bob Johnson was still in control.
So oop @ her.
cita, hits from the street, comic view, aj and free
Black History Month on vh1 used to be appointment tv to me. But I guess MTV told them to stop being so music oriented...
Followed by endless movies.
I never watched it in its heyday.
I was just thinking about that too. I miss the hell out of that show. especially since I don't sleep at night, so come midnight/1am, it was ComicView time.
POC comedians didn't have to rely on HBO and defjam or w/e to get airtime and I know that ppl think of it as a "black show" but you'd get tons of people I'd never of heard of otherwise.
Although it was always fun to see the random white person come on and actually be funny.
Even though I was young I remember being like, "Do they even check these videos before airing them? Can anyone just get on Uncut?" That video and song was so awful.
Also, they used to play "Lapdance" by NERD. I was so scandalized by it.