Press Release

NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- BET Networks is pleased to announce the return of its acclaimed music mega-specials for 2014. Soaring to new heights throughout 2013 and delivering unprecedented programming to its audiences, BET Networks continues to provide quality music programs and specials for families and viewers of all ages. As always, viewers at home can expect never before seen musical performances, extraordinary surprises, today's biggest celebrities and an array of fresh talent throughout each broadcast.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO)

"We love producing shows that recognize the accomplishments and actions of our people," stated Stephen G. Hill, BET's President of Music Programming and Specials. "Our specials are designed to be sources of pride and excitement for the BET Audience.  We are humbled that they continue to be well received. You keep watching them, we'll keep making them."

For more information on BET Networks mega-specials visit http://www.bet.com. Also, join the conversation on twitter for all updates & special surprises @BET and @BET_PR.

RETURNING MEGA-SPECIALS ON BET:

• "BET HONORS" -- The Washington Post says, "The annual Bet Honors have just about perfected the ideal mix of glamour, inspiration, humor and sex appeal."  We could not have said it better!  "BET HONORS" shows the world 'what extraordinary looks like' by saluting luminaries whose lives and revolutionary work contribute to and elevate our culture.  Airing during Black History Month, "BET HONORS" is a shimmering night of dynamic performances and tributes that cross genres and generations.  In 2012, First Lady Michelle Obama presented Dr. Maya Angelou with her honor. In 2013, Phylicia Rashad conferred the honor upon Halle Berry and Ledisi sang "Everlasting Love" for Chaka Khan.  Now that's extraordinary viewing for the entire family.
  TAPE DATE: 2/8/2014    PREMIERE: 2/24/2014   LOCATION: Warner Theater, Washington, D.C.
  BET.com/Honors = http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-honors.html

• "CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL" -- The biggest night that celebrates gospel music, America's truly original and internationally loved art form only happens on BET.  The 14^th annual "CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL" is a star-studded gathering of some of the best voices in Gospel and R&B.  Impossible to duplicate, this is the only performance show that literally moves your spirit.
  Follow us on Twitter: @BETGospel; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/BETGospel
  TAPE DATE: 3/15/14   PREMIERE: 4/6/2014   LOCATION: Orpheum Theater, Los Angeles, CA
  BET.com/CelebrationOfGospel = http://www.bet.com/shows/celebration-of-gospel.html

• "BET AWARDS" & BET EXPERIENCE -- "BET AWARDS" franchise is the #1 Program in Cable Television History among the Black audience, and is still a top 10 awards show on television (Broadcast & Cable) among total viewers. It continues to hold the leadership position because it gathers the biggest stars in music, sports, Hollywood, and philanthropy all on one stage for one incredible night. The "BET AWARDS" delivers electrifying performances, moving tributes and the most unforgettable moments on TV.  
  Follow us on Twitter: @BETAwards; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheBETAwards
  PREMIERE: 6/29/2014        LOCATION: Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 
  BET.com/BETAwards and BET.com/BETexperience = http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards.html

• "BET HIP HOP AWARDS" -- The "BET HIP HOP AWARDS" returns for its ninth year to highlight hip hop music, with bold performances and breakthrough freestyle cyphers that set social media on fire. This is the one show where the hottest rap stars of today share the stage with the hip-hop icons of tomorrow. 
  Follow us on Twitter: @HipHopAwards; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/HipHopAwards 
  TAPE DATE: 9/20/2014   PREMIERE: 4Q/14   LOCATION: Atlantic Civic Center, Atlanta, GA
  BET.com/HipHopAwards = http://www.bet.com/shows/hip-hop-awards.html

• "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™" -- "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™" is the tribute show that has become a movement.  This NAACP Image Award-nominated special is both timely and timeless, saluting dynamic leaders in entertainment, business, philanthropy and beyond.  Past award honorees include Ruby Dee, Susan L. Taylor, Missy Elliott, Kerry Washington, Taraji P. Henson, Queen Latifah, and Venus Williams.  Featuring emerging and legendary talent, touching tributes to present-day role models and soulful, surprising musical performances, "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™" celebrates the brilliance and beauty of women of color who shape our world and uplift our girls.
  Follow the conversation on Twitter: #BlackGirlsRock
  TAPE DATE: 10/18/2014   PREMIERE: 4Q/14   LOCATION: NJPAC, Newark, NJ  
  BET.com/BlackGirlsRock = http://www.bet.com/shows/black-girls-rock.html   

• "SOUL TRAIN AWARDS" -- The hippest trip in America keeps grooving forward.  The iconic brand that defined a generation returns for 2014 with its signature awards show.  Featuring never before-seen musical collaborations and powerful tributes from world-class performers, the "SOUL TRAIN AWARDS" brings you the most revered and promising voices in soul and R&B.  And since airing on both our networks is always better, the "Soul Train Awards" is simulcast on Centric and BET.
  Follow the conversation on Twitter: #SoulTrainAwards
  PREMIERE: 4Q/14   LOCATION: Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV 
  BET.com/SoulTrainAwards = http://www.bet.com/shows/soul-train-awards.html

About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

Follow us on Twitter: @BET_PR

SOURCE BET Networks