Viacom to launch BET in France

Deborah Lee

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) and BET International are due to launch the BET channel as a 24-linear and multiscreen service in France next month.

BET (Black Entertainment Television) will launch on November 17, offering content inspired by urban culture, music, fashion and society.

VIMN said that the French launch will be a “360 degree, multiscreen rollout”, with non-linear services to be offered through VIMN’s key French affiliate partners including CanalSat, Numericable-SFR, Free and Bouygues Telecom.

There will also be a dedicated website, a BET app featuring exclusive videos and BET social media accounts, with VIMN estimating that the launch will “significantly increase BET’s audience in France” and result in it reaching 17.6 million households.

“We are excited to announce the launch of the BET channel in France. Globally, this launch will increase BET’s global reach to over 125 million households across North America, the Caribbean, the UK, Africa and France,” said Michael Armstrong, VIMN’s executive vice-president and general manager of international brand development.

BET Networks chairman and CEO, Debra Lee, said: “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.”