New Channel is a good BET
At last, we've got a TV channel to be proud of, BET- Black Entertainment Television! It's been going for ages in the States and now it's here. I was channel-hopping the other day, which I'm kind of prone to doing, when I reached Channel 209 on Sky. Fantastic!
There have been a number of attempts to launch Black-orientated channels here in Britain with varying degrees of success, but none have been able to handle the challenge of consistently broadcasting a good variety of programming.
I don't follow the music scene as avidly as I used to but there are plenty of debate-based shows on BET to float my boat and I'm told, there are movies, serials and general programming to come.
Check it out. What do you think?
Does it annoy you that this channel is American or just glad to have some competitive programming on air?
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Read Veron Graham, telling it like it is.
It's OK TV, but why do we need black TV? Should it not be integrated? Are blacks not in danger of ghettoising themselves by making and watching themselves? Surely better to succeed in the mainstream media?
I mean, Veron, you've done it.
Thanks for the post, Colin.
I agree TV should be integrated but numerous attempts have been rebuffed. Having worked in TV, I know that projects are refused simply because they are Black.
I don't see anything wrong, particularly the current climate where media is proliferating so much, that there should be room to continue to assimilate while being part of the mainstream.
Colin, don't you feel that there is space for both forms of expression?
There is room for everyone... I just wish it was more integrated. If not, I can understand a black approach, but truly feel there is more merit in forcing the issue towards integration.
I'm real glad that there is a competitive Black station on TV. It's nice to turn on your TV and see people as the same race as myself and seeing them in a positive light.
It is highly annoying that the only time I see Black people on TV is when it is to do with something that is assumedly "Ghetto". It is also nice to see Black people on TV that have absolutely nothing to do with music but being promoted as world changers such as Professors, Judges and Scholars etc.
BET also gives a lot of historic information on the Black communtiy which is absolutely awesome!!!! It totally beats the small amount of programs that we have during October for Black History Month - come on now, lets be real.
I'm glad that it is an American station because personally I don't feel that British Black Stations has really stepped up to the plate, their channels are always out of sync, so you can never tune into something at the time its scheduled.
BET also hold the advantage of being a positive Black Station that also has not been sidekicked (I understand that word maybe quite harsh)or asked to include other ethnic groups e.g the Asian culture as I have listened many times to Asian stations and noticed we have never been included on their Radio or TV stations which is quite disappointing.
So in conclusion Veron, I totally agreee its great to have a Black Station and Colin I have to sadly disagree with the "forcing integration Quote"... who invented the intergration in the first place, not BET mate.
RG
I'm really happy that we now have channel BET, because its more than a resource for music. There is alot more going on, such as "Meet the faith" where debates and discussions are held on every topic, deep topics!!I think this is very encourging for young black youth to see, you can do anything in life and be successful.
Thanks for the post Sephrah.
What do you think about the current offering of programming for Black people, particularly British programming?
Do you think we could get something like BET done in the UK?
I am so glad we finally have BET but why are there so many repeats?!! Anyway, it would be good to have a magazine with the listings so I could tune into the programmes of interest to me at the appropriate times.
When do you think we'll get BET UK?
I think there are pros and cons of the situation on the whole...
pro: black views are reprsented on sky tv
con: it is geared mainly towards black american views, missing the african and carribean influences.
I am pleased to have BET on sky, however BET was formed in 1980, we are now it 2008 why has this taken so long (over 25 years people!!)
Another con would be that it only focuses on black positivity (whenever ive watched it at least) in respect to music and entertainment, I know it is Black Entertainment Television but examples of other black businessmen/entrepreneurs on this station i feel would give the youths something to aim for and aspire to.
Thanks for the post, Sean.
I know it has taken a very long time but remember there has been a settled Black community in America for a lot longer than there has been over here so things are going to take time.
At least we are getting a chance to see what everyone else has been for the last 28 years.
I think that there is room for a Black UK Television. If you agree what type of shows would be on it?