Black Entertainment Television (commonly referred to by its acronym
B.E.T.) is an American
cable network based in
Washington, D.C. and targeted towards young
black and urban audiences in the United States.
Robert L. Johnson founded the network in 1980. Most programming of the network comprises mainstream
rap and
R&B music videos and urban-oriented movies and series.
Its urban music programming includes
106 & Park, a show taped before a live audience counting down the top videos requested by viewers and inviting rap and R&B artists to promote their music.
The Deal is BET's flagship program for rap music, and the network also regularly shows a block of R&B videos under the banner
BET Now. For broadcasting videos that are accused of promoting immorality, BET has been the target of criticism and protests.
Additionally, the channel shows syndicated television series, original programs, and some public affairs programs. On Sunday mornings, BET broadcasts a lineup of network-produced
Christian programming; other, non-affiliated Christian programs are also shown during the early morning hours daily.