The inaugural board brings together cultural icons and business leaders to guide BET’s next chapter
BET has announced the formation of its first-ever Board of Advisors, a milestone moment for the network as it marks 45 years as a cornerstone of Black media and culture. The move signals a new era of leadership and cultural stewardship for the brand, bringing together some of the most influential names in entertainment, sports and business under one roof.
Established under the leadership of Louis Carr, President of BET, the board includes a notable homecoming: Bob Johnson, the founder of BET, returns to the fold as part of the inaugural group. His inclusion alongside a new generation of cultural heavyweights underscores the significance of the moment for the network he built.
Among those joining Johnson are Grammy Award-winning artist, actress, producer and entrepreneur Queen Latifah, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Award-winning artist LL Cool J, two figures whose careers have long been intertwined with BET’s own history and cultural reach.
The board is essentially meant to act as a strategic and cultural sounding board for the company, keeping BET accountable to its core mission of serving and representing the Black community while helping the brand grow and evolve. It is a statement of intent that as BET enters its next chapter, the people who shaped Black culture and business will have a seat at the table.
Rounding out the board are Troy Vincent, Executive Vice President of Football Operations at the NFL; Raymond J. McGuire, President of Lazard; and George Cheeks, Chair of TV Media at Paramount, bringing heavyweight sports, finance and media experience to the group.
Carr framed the announcement in terms of legacy and responsibility: “BET has always been more than a platform. It is a cultural institution with a responsibility to serve, reflect, and advance our community. As we enter this next chapter, this Board brings together leaders whose influence, perspective, and integrity will help ensure we continue to honor that responsibility while building what comes next.”
BET is a unit of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, and operates a broad portfolio of brands including BET, BET Her, BET Studios and VH1, alongside a range of FAST channels spanning comedy, drama, cinema and classic programming.