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'''Black Entertainment Television''' (BET) is a cable network geared toward blacks and/or urban audiences.<ref>[http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=3&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fgst%2Ffullpage.html%3Fres%3D9401E0DB1231F930A25754C0A96E958260&ei=1sYZSOS6E4HUpgTMi_iGCQ&usg=AFQjCNEGIJFql5C1bBY3KnSsnofCekYYFw&sig2=Ngks8sjGi76GI82c_07oVQ New York Times article</ref> It features lightly censored music videos and a morning line up of religious programming. It's run by [[Viacom]], parent company of [[MTV]].

'''Black Entertainment Television''' (BET) is a cable network geared toward blacks and/or urban audiences.<ref>Fabrikant, Geraldine. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9401E0DB1231F930A25754C0A96E958260 BET to Establish a Film Unit Aimed at Black Urban Market]. ''The New York Times'': July 13, 1998</ref> It programming ranges from reruns of old sitcoms and movies to reality shows to rap and R&B music videos (sometimes censored for content)<ref name="Demeaning Images"/> to [[Christian]] programming. It is run by [[Viacom]], parent company of [[MTV]].

==Criticism==

==Criticism==

BET has run into much criticism from African American activists, who claim the channel perpetuates harmful black stereotypes.  The hop-hip videos BET is best known for often contain misogynistic, materialistic, and/or violent themes. The protests have forced BET to heavily censor content from the videos, sometimes cutting entire verses from videos. Others have pointed out the irony in the network's choice to broadcast Rap and Hip Hop videos while showing strong religious programming as well. Several critics refer to BET as "Black Exploitation Television," comparing the channel to a minstrel show. They also point out that BET is currently owned and operated by Viacom, which is led by Philippe Dauman, a white person.

BET has run into much criticism from African American activists, who claim the channel perpetuates harmful black stereotypes.<ref name="Demeaning Images">Lee, Felicia R. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/05/arts/05enou.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Protesting Demeaning Images in Media]". ''The New York Times'': Nov. 5, 2007</reF> The hip-hop videos shown on BET have been known often for containing misogynistic, materialistic, and/or violent themes.<ref>Eggerton, John. "[http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6549701.html PTC, Enough Is Enough Campaign Take On MTV, BET]. ''Broadcasting & Cable'': April 9, 2008</ref> Network executives claim to censor out excess profanity or sexual content from videos, though.<ref name="Demeaning Images"/>

 

BET has also found criticism from the Christian evangelical community. Aside from the music and programming content, they've also complained about the morning religious lineup. BET broadcasts evangelical TV shows every morning, including Robert Tilton, Don Stewart, and Peter Popoff.  All three have been found guilty of heading fraud ministries, with Popoff's ministry losing its tax-exempt status in Canada.  Scientist James Randi notoriously debunked Popoff several times, including a famous spot on The Tonight Show in 1988<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ-7beRITYM</ref>

==External Links==

==External Links==