BET’s president of Programming Stephen Hill will exit bet as part of the plan to rejuvenate the network. This comes as quite a shocker considering Hill has brought an incredible amount of successful segments to the network. BET, identified as one of the core brands for Viacom is being rejuvenated by CEO Bob Bakish.
Hill is a former radio programmer who left radio to pursue TV. Debra Lee announced the changes today. Debra Lee stated: “I want to let you know that Stephen Hill, President of Programming for BET Networks has decided to step down from his role.
Stephen joined Viacom in 1995, and then BET in 1999, serving as President of Music Programming and Specials before taking on the role as President of Programing. Stephen has earned a reputation as one of the leading creative minds in television and music. His contributions to the team have been invaluable as we worked together to successfully reinvigorate our brand.
Who could ever forget THE Prince Tribute, James Brown and Michael Jackson, Beyonce? & Kendrick Lamar? This list can go on and on. The incredible “awww yeahhh” moments Stephen has created during his 18 years literally are too many to mention.”
Hill responded: “This Friday, 6,549 days after I took my first step through the doors of BET, I will walk my last one out.
It has been my honor to serve this brand in that span and I am thrilled to have been able to be a member of the teams that ideated and created so many spectacles, moments, memories and miracles. It’s been fulfilling to be part of huge changes that literally shifted culture. As we go forward, I’m excited by all of our immediate and long term upcoming trajectories.”