Debra Lee
Under Lee’s vision and leadership, BET continues to be not only the # 1 network among African Americans, but it also ranks as a top 20 network among total audiences. The Hollywood adage about what she “really wants to do is direct” may not be applicable to Lee, but she certainly wants to bring more diversity to the roster of TV directors. “We had three series with 100% minority or female directors: ‘Being Mary Jane,’ ‘The Game,’ and ‘Single Ladies,’” says Lee. “Our programming team is committed to telling our stories in an authentic way by making diversity a priority in every aspect of our production process.”
What’s your biggest professional accomplishment in the past 12 months?
BET Networks is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year and we remain the top choice for our audience. Black consumers experience BET Networks differently than any other network because of our 35 years of history, tremendous experience and insights. BET Networks is not just the #1 network for African Americans, it’s an experience across every screen, delivering more African Americans each week than any other cable network – and BET remains #1 among total day viewers in every single demo. African American viewers continue to seek BET first and it consistently ranks as a top 20 network among all audiences because we continue to give our viewers what they want – high quality content that respects, reflects and elevates them. With more hours of original programming than ever before, our new shows coupled with our returning hits like “Being Mary Jane,” “Real Husbands Of Hollywood,” and “Nellyville” make our original slate stronger than ever.
How can cable better support diversity?
The Directors Guild of America’s (DGA) annual report revealed that we need more women and minorities in the director’s seat for primetime series across broadcast, cable and the Internet. We know there is more work to do to reflect the true diversity of our audiences in the U.S. and around the globe – and BET is proud to be the network that leads by example. BET was ranked at the top of the DGA’s list as the #1 network for diverse hires and was recognized as “the best network for female and minority directors.” We had three series with 100% minority or female directors: “Being Mary Jane,” “The Game,” and “Single Ladies.” Our Programming team is committed to telling our stories in an authentic way by making diversity a priority in every aspect of our production process. We will continue to expand opportunities in the industry by hiring talented directors from all walks of life. And we will continue to deliver compelling content that entertains and empowers our audience.