Viacom placing BET in France

Viacom will launch a round-the-clock BET channel in France next month.

The entertainment channel will roll out on the CanalSat, Numericable/SFR, Free and Bouygues Telecom pay TV platforms, giving it a reach of 17.6 million French homes.

BET will have a raft of programming carried on the US version of the channel, including Real Husbands of Hollywood, Being Mary Jane, Nellyville, and The Wendy Williams Show (Wendy Williams pictured). There will also be coverage of the BETAwards and the BET Hip Hop Awards.

Viacom International Media Networks is launching the channel and said there will also be local specific content, without specifying titles.

“What a tremendous and exciting launch for BET Networks! We have worked diligently toward this day of bringing BET to France and are excited to deliver our authentic voice that reflects, respects and elevates the diversity of our audiences across the world,” said Debra L. Lee, chairman and CEO, BET Networks.

She added: “We’re thrilled to continue our tradition of working with established and upcoming Black talent. Stay tuned later this month, when the Network will launch a New Faces search across the country.”

BET skews to viewers aged 20 to 49 and reflects African and African-American culture. VIMN launched another local version earlier this year, in South Africa.