Debra L. Lee's BET Launch's in the UK

BET will be offered free-to-air on the digital satellite platform beginning on February 28,  via the Sky Guide. BET will be accessible to more than 8.8 million digital satellite homes, adding considerably to BET Networks' global reach.

"We're thrilled to be able to bring high quality, Black cultural content to communities around the world and deliver on our commitment to expand the BET brand internationally," said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, BET Networks. "For more than 27 years, BET Networks has been the leader in providing premium entertainment to African American audiences, and we're so excited to establish BET as the premier destination for UK audiences to enjoy content that reflects the many viewpoints of the Black experience"

"BET has been building a presence among our core target audience in the United Kingdom for more than two years," said Michael D. Armstrong, Senior Vice President and General Manager, BET International.

The programming that will be aired on BET in the UK will initially not include any regional content.

"For the UK version of BET, we will be giving BET's U.S. content a regionalised look and feel that reflects the UK marketplace, and as we grow and develop the channel,we look forward to partnering with the UK creative industry to give BET aneven stronger British accent."

BET will also be expanding its pro-social initiative Rap-It-Up and bringing the campaign to the UK.

BET Networks is the leading provider of media and entertainment for African Americans and consumers of Black culture, currently reaching more than 87 million households in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.