MTV Base, BET Fuse In Africa

Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) has announced that general entertainment network, BET, is to expand its African TV footprint following the signing of a new distribution deal that will see BET distributed on the My TV pay platform.

Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and  Managing Director, VIMN Africa, said BET will be a great addition to their portfolio in sub-Saharan Africa and “we are delighted to partner with My TV to further expand BET to audiences in East, West and Central Africa.”

Carine Mouawad, Head of Programming, My TV adds: “We are thrilled to introduce BET to our bouquet and are confident that the channel will prove hugely successful with our subscribers.”

Currently available in 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, from 1 June 2012, the English language service BET has been distributing 24 hours a day to viewers in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe on MyTV. BET is also distributed via a number of different pay-TV platforms, including DStv, Top TV, Zuku and Star Times.

Containing an appealing mix of US and international general entertainment content, BET offers a wide range of programming, including urban and gospel music shows such as106 & Park, Sunday Best and Spotlight, an original series showcasing intimate interviews with some of Nigeria’s top musical artists, producers and directors. It also has on its programming awards shows such as the BET Awards, BET Honours and the BET Hip Hop Awards and more.

As of 2011, BET was distributed and marketed by VIMN’s operations in Africa (formerly known as MTV Networks Africa), as part of the company’s African multimedia portfolio, alongside sister channels MTV, MTV Base, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and VH1.

By Funsho Arogundade