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==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.  Several critics 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.  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 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 it's tax-exempt status in Canada. Scientist James Randi notoriously debunked Popoff on The Tonight Show in 1988.

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 it's tax-exempt status in Canada. Scientist James Randi notoriously debunked Popoff on The Tonight Show in 1988.