BET’s 45-Year Journey: Scott Mills on Daring Creativity and Black Representation

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Scott M. Mills, CEO of BET, notices many replicas in the world, but he firmly believes that his groundbreaking multimedia empire has no equal. As Mills puts it, “Many things in life have copies, but BET is unique and unparalleled.

Established by entrepreneur Robert L. Johnson in 1980, Black Entertainment Television (BET) marked the debut of a television network exclusively catering to African American audiences. This groundbreaking platform eventually made history as the first Black-owned company to be publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Initially focusing on music videos and rebroadcasts of popular Black sitcoms, BET expanded its offerings to include news, stand-up comedy, talk shows, reality shows, and original series, boasting projects from creators such as Tyler Perry, Lee Daniels, and Kevin Hart.

In 1980, Robert L. Johnson initiated Black Entertainment Television (BET), the first television network dedicated to African American viewers. This pioneering platform subsequently became the first Black-owned company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Initially airing music videos and replaying popular Black sitcoms, BET broadened its programming to encompass news, stand-up comedy, talk shows, reality shows, and original series, featuring projects from the likes of Tyler Perry, Lee Daniels, and Kevin Hart.

Since its beginning, BET has been a pioneering influence in entertainment, culture, and representation,” notes producer Will Packer. “I, among others, have reaped the benefits of the path cleared by this influential platform for black artists. Under Scott Mills‘ leadership, the network remains dedicated to highlighting and boosting the voices of the Black community, influencing the industry in ways that will resonate for years to come.

In 2019, BET ventured into streaming with the launch of BET+. Two years afterwards, in 2021, they established BET Studios, a joint venture with Kenya Barris and Rashida Jones. This studio provides equity ownership opportunities for African-American creators and produces content for networks such as Showtime, CBS, among others. Perry remarks that the debut of the streaming service was one of the most significant moments in his career.

Joining forces with BET to create a streaming service from scratch was a groundbreaking achievement for our industry, and on a personal level, it’s been nothing short of monumental. Witnessing its transformation into a platform that showcases high-quality, genuine Black content has been tremendously rewarding.”

“On a deeply personal note, I feel immensely proud to offer chances for Black artists, both in front of and behind the camera. Professionally, this partnership has underscored the immense power of storytelling and granted us a unique opportunity to amplify voices that often go unheard.

And with four decades and counting, there’s a bigger mission in sight.  

According to Taraji P. Henson, who has a multi-project agreement with BET, the network stands for more than just connections – it’s about embracing our identities and envisioning our future. It offers a space where countless individuals can express themselves freely and showcase their talents.

Here, Mills opens up about the 45th anniversary of BET and what’s ahead.

What does this milestone mean to BET?

Pondering is definitely in order, as it’s fascinating to consider how dramatically the world has transformed. In the year 2000, Bob Johnson made history by becoming the first black American billionaire recognized. Today, the number of individuals who have reached such wealth has grown significantly. Embracing the notion that if we remain committed to evolving with and serving our community and culture, we too can enjoy prosperity over the next 45 years.

How has BET navigated the ever-evolving media landscape?

The essence and dynamics of our society continuously adapt, and so do our communities and cultural landscapes. BET thrives in every crossroads where Black culture, creativity, and fellowship intersect. It’s hard to predict the leading platform or distribution channels a decade from now, but one thing I am confident about is that there will always be a vibrant presence of Black culture, expression, and camaraderie.

What was the impetus for creating BET+, and what is your advantage in that market?

Launching a streamer is a significant undertaking, yet our research indicates that Black Americans are streaming at rates significantly higher than most other demographics. However, when we asked these same Black Americans about their feelings towards Black content on these platforms, we noticed substantial differences of over 10% between their overall satisfaction and the availability of culturally relevant content. This discrepancy was our first indication that a BET streamer could capitalize on this opportunity.

How important has it been to be able to strike partnerships with high-level creatives?

This item holds incredible worth. We strive to locate Black creators whose work aligns best with our audience and the unique selling points of our product. Upon returning to BET in 2018, I felt that partnering with Lee Daniels, due to Fox’s remarkable success with “Empire,” was essential. While we don’t require all of his business ventures, we sought the perfect project for BET. He provided us with “The Ms. Pat Show,” which embodied everything unique and unpredictable about Lee Daniels. There is no doubt that Tyler Perry has been our most significant partnership. His appeal within our community is simply remarkable.

In 2022, “The Ms. Pat Show” became the first program on BET to receive a Primetime Emmy nomination. How has this kind of acknowledgement affected BET’s network?

This moment was truly significant – a phone call from Lee informed me that our project was unique, something only BET could accomplish; everyone else found it too daunting. It’s astonishing yet awe-inspiring. I confided in a creative from another organization, who warned me, “This isn’t suitable for television; you should bury it instead.” After much contemplation, I realized the endeavor was risky, but our conviction was unwavering. The Emmy nomination served as a powerful reminder that creativity often involves taking risks.

Why do you believe it’s important to regularly honor our culture during events like the BET Awards and the NAACP Image Awards, rather than waiting for others to decide when to shine a light on it?

BET doesn’t exclude anything; instead, it embraces various aspects. We never question the authenticity of what we do here. The BET or Image Awards aren’t just trendy events; they are righteous, fair, and fitting, which gives them a profound impact. These shows are essential because our community appreciates the opportunity to unite, celebrate, and honor one another. You can attend other award shows, but none of them can create moments as genuine and culturally relevant as these.

I view the BET Awards as the purest embodiment of the BET brand and purpose. Following the pandemic and the tragic killing of George Floyd, I found myself moved to tears during the opening. The creative team had an incredible sense of where the heart, soul, and feelings of the Black community lay at that time, and they delivered exactly what we needed. It’s the largest annual gathering of African-Americans in the nation.

Could you please explain what motivates some of your projects, like Content for Change and the Altadena Community Preservation Fund, that you have initiated or recently established?

As a film enthusiast, it’s crucial for me that we adapt with the ever-changing world. We must adjust ourselves to mirror the environment where we thrive, but our purpose remains unaltered – to captivate, engage, and uplift our audience. What I adore about BET is its ability to support our community in times of need. BET stands out as a powerful platform for mobilizing concerned individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations.

Do you have any specific goals you want to reach by year 50?

Our aim is for all sectors of the Black community to engage regularly with BET on a personal level. This will help us identify where we need to expand our business. Therefore, you’ll notice more music-related content, increased presence of BET across various platforms, and BET venturing into areas that might not initially seem obvious to people.

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2025-02-26 20:17