Three original prime time series will launch during BET’s ’04-05 season: "Style," offering entertainment news; "Speak Now," a talker about political and social issues affecting African-Americans; and "On and Off," a behind-the-scenes look at music superstars. The net also will get back into made-for films with "Book of Love," a Valentine’s Day romantic comedy starring Robin Givens. An annual comedy awards special will debut in Sept and concerts will be a monthly feature. Returning series include "College Hill," "106 & Park," "Coming to the Stage," and "ComicView." BET made the announcements at its first NY upfront Tues night, an event marked by rousing performances from Missy Elliott and Alicia Keys, and an extended "Twilight Zone" spoof of advertiser misperceptions of the channel. The latter aimed a few pointed barbs at rivals UPN, which like BET, is Viacom-owned, and TV One. — SiTV will hit NY next month with its debut upfront program, barely 3 months after the English-language Latino net’s premiere. – Simon Applebaum

The Daily

Subscribe

Next Frontier: CableLabs Explores More than Speed Connectivity Era

Internet speed records are all the rage these days, with two separate breakthroughs making the headlines recently. One is more in the distant future, but the other hits closer to home.

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Sep 11
2025 Faxies Awards Faxies Nominations Open! Final deadline: 4/4/25
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one?
VIEW JOBS

In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact Carley Ashley, [email protected], for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.