TYLER PERRY DOUBLES DOWN ON INTEREST IN BET: ‘I’M VERY, VERY INTERESTED….’

Tyler Perry, the successful writer, director, actor, and producer, has confirmed his interest in acquiring a majority stake in the BET Network. Rumors have been circulating that Paramount wants to sell its majority stake in the network, and Perry’s name has been mentioned as a frontrunner. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, Perry expressed his interest in becoming the majority owner of the formerly Black-owned network.

Perry, who has had tremendous success with BET over the last four years, said that he wasn’t expecting this opportunity to arise but is very interested in taking as much of the network as he can. He also mentioned that he knows of other people of color, like Sean “Diddy” Combs and Byron Allen, who is also interested in bidding for the network.

BET was started as a Black-owned entity in 1980 by Robert L. Johnson, owner of The RLJ Cos., and his wife, Sheila Johnson, until he sold the network to Viacom in 2000 for $2.3 billion, making him the first Black billionaire. BET was the first cable network to cater to Black audiences specifically.

Perry credits the current network owner with keeping it relevant and not letting it “fall by the wayside.” He believes that there was sadness when Bob Johnson sold it, but there will be happiness when it’s Black-owned again. Shari Redstone, the current owner of the network, has expressed her desire to return it to a Black owner.

Perry opened Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta in October 2019, turning a former Army base into a brand new 330-acre studio, making him the first African American to own a major film production studio. His interest in acquiring a majority stake in the BET Network comes as no surprise, as he has been a major force in the entertainment industry and has shown a commitment to uplifting and empowering Black voices.

Perry’s interest in acquiring a majority stake in the BET Network is in line with his commitment to increasing representation and ownership in the entertainment industry. As a Black entrepreneur, he has been a trailblazer in the industry, and his success with BET over the past four years has only solidified his position as a major player.

Perry has been vocal about his desire to create more opportunities for Black artists and to tell stories that are often overlooked by mainstream media. His acquisition of the BET Network would give him even more power and influence in the industry and could open up new avenues for Black voices to be heard.

Perry’s interest in BET comes at a time when there is a growing awareness of the need for greater diversity and representation in the media. With more and more Black creators, actors, and filmmakers making their mark in Hollywood, there is a sense that the industry is beginning to shift toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

If Perry is successful in acquiring a majority stake in the network, it would be a significant milestone in the history of the entertainment industry. It would also be a testament to the power of Black entrepreneurship and the growing influence of Black voices in the media.