Increasing the momentum from BET's hit original programming was a strong lineup of mega-specials. CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL 06, which premiered last February, became the #1 inspirational/religious program in 2006, according to Neilson Media Research. In the summer, the BET AWARDS 06 grabbed the title of #1 program in cable television history among Black households with a 4.9 rating (6.6 million viewers, 4.1 million households), and ending the year with a bang was the first-ever BET HIP HOP AWARDS, the #1 hip-hop telecast on television in 2006. Both signature award shows gave BET the top two cable television award shows in 2006 among Black Households and Blacks ages 18-34.
Moreover, viewer favorite 106 & PARK maintained its position as television's #1 music variety show, and BOBBY JONES GOSPEL, VIDEO GOSPEL and LIFT EVERY VOICE held onto their spots as the top three inspirational/religious series on television.
Contributing to the explosive growth of BET Networks were strategic business moves that allowed the company to focus on its target audiences and provide the edgy and compelling programming viewers desired. The first move was the evolution of former BET Jazz network to "BET J." BET J offers a contemporary and diverse lineup of programming for a more mature BET audience. Viewers can catch classic favorites such as VIDEO SOUL GOLD along with much-talked-about new original programs like COMMITTED: THE CHRISTIES and MY MODEL LOOKS BETTER THAN YOUR MODEL. "As BET viewers mature, so do their tastes, and we want to continue offering them programming they love on a more contemporary level," said Debra Lee.
Another bold business move that bolstered the brand in 2006 was taking full control of BET's interactive arm, BET.com, with the cash buyout of its original investment group. This led to more compelling content that resulted in 56.9 million page views in November '06, an increase of +424% vs. November '05 according to Nielsen/NetRating (Nov. 2006) and a whopping 3.7 million registered users.
Other 2006 successes for BET Networks included:
* The launch of BET International and the introduction of BET programming on three continents – Africa, Europe and Asia – and on three separate platforms – broadband, digital radio and television
* The creation of BET Animation and Business Affairs departments to expand original programming and strengthen BET's relationship with the Hollywood entertainment community
* The launch of BET Interactive's BET on Blast, the first broadband player targeted towards African Americans that offers a mix of web-only original programs and live streaming special events
* The convergence of BET.com and BET News to create a 24/7 newsroom that provides users with a constant stream of breaking news, exclusive content and alternative points of view with streaming video, news blogs and interactive polls
* BET Mobile's debut on iTunes featuring top-rated original programs AMERICAN GANGSTER, LIL' KIM: COUNTDOWN TO LOCKDOWN, DMX: SOUL OF A MAN, BEEF: THE SERIES, BET COMIC VIEW and THE CHRISTIES: COMMITTED. Within the first week, the BET docu-drama AMERICAN GANGSTER became one of the ten most-downloaded cable TV shows on iTunes and garnered a four out of five star rating from iTunes users
* Continued recognition of BET's Rap-It-Up initiative, the largest HIV/AIDS effort in the country targeting African Americans, with multiple Cable Positive POP Awards
* Increased growth for the BET Foundation with the introduction of "We Can For Wellness," the Foundation's second youth-focused initiative
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