Bet Leads 'New School' Of Black Programming With Most Extensive Original Slate In Network History

New Original Series Season of the Tiger, LIL' KIM: Countdown To Lockdown and Meet The Faith Join Current Favorites to Create Strong Lineup to Kickoff 2006 Schedule

LOS ANGELES (January 10, 2006) - It's a new semester and class is officially in session. BET, the ambassador of Black culture for the past quarter-century, is shaking things up with new executive leadership, a new commitment to original programming, a revamped News operation, and a fresh
slate of series, specials, and acquisitions for 2006.

As announced at the Television Critics Association Winter Media Tour today, BET has added several new shows to complement last year's lineup, which delivered the highest-rated season in the network's 25-year history.

Original series such as SEASON OF THE TIGER, a docu-drama exploring Grambling State University's football team and marching band as they strive for excellence and carry on the Tigers' tradition of greatness at all costs; LIL' KIM: COUNTDOWN TO LOCKDOWN, a revealing look at the harsh reality and tough consequences of staying true to the streets through the eyes of hip-hop's own Queen Bee; and MEET THE FAITH, a weekly roundtable of religious leaders discussing and debating the issues of the day hosted by
award-winning CNN correspondent Carlos Watson, are among the brand-new fare being added to BET's schedule. Returning favorites include the high-spirited reality skein College Hill, the fashion forward, hip-hop flavored spring
special RIP THE RUNWAY, the uplifting CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL, beach blanket throw-down SPRING BLING, and the Hollywood hot-listed BET AWARDS '06.

With a bolstered schedule and aggressive development strategy, newly-appointed BET President and CEO Debra Lee and Reginald Hudlin, BET President of Entertainment, are executing a bold new vision for BET with a mission to further distance the network from the growing list of challengers aiming to capture the African-American audience.

Lee is confident that the increased investment in original programming will pay off with another exceptional year of growth for the network. "As our loyal and ever-expanding audiences grow in sophistication, BET remains sensitive to their needs by bringing a vision that is both compelling and
entertaining," said Lee. "The landscape of television changes constantly and BET is committed to remaining at the forefront by bringing the rich texture of African American culture to America at large."

"The best way to continue the successful momentum from 2005 is to come out the box even stronger in 2006, and that's exactly what we're doing with this group of original shows," said Hudlin, who joined BET last summer. "Our audience demands programming which takes them on a rollercoaster ride of emotion and experiences. The diversity of this slate, from real life on Black college campuses to the hard-knock life of Lil' Kim's prison term, will hit those touchstones with our viewers."

In 2006, BET puts the "real" in reality programming with the production of several new and returning series. Developed exclusively for BET, SEASON OF THE TIGER follows the real life drama surrounding the struggle for excellence through the lives of five members of Grambling State University's
legendary 225-member "Mighty Tiger Marching Band" and the GSU football team.

The 'Greatest Show on Earth' is redefined when the winningest football team in history and their famous marching band take the field. For the kids it's a long, tough road that leads to game day each week and they'll do whatever it takes to be the best and win. As in the movies "Drumline" and "Friday Night Lights," the glory is hard-earned, whether it means taking hits on the football field or enduring grueling practice sessions for the band.

In LIL' KIM: COUNTDOWN TO LOCKDOWN, viewers learn that sometimes the cost of following the "no-snitching" code of the streets is way too high. This docu-drama chronicles the last two weeks of freedom for the now-incarcerated
rapper Lil' Kim, who is paying the ultimate price for "staying true to the game." Edmonds Entertainment is allowed full-camera access to reveal the Queen Bee's dizzying final days of freedom as her entourage struggles to keep up appearances and she emotionally prepares to serve hard time.

BET's signature hit and top-rated reality series, COLLEGE HILL, is back with a fresh new look and even more drama than ever. BET partners again with Edmonds Entertainment on production of the series, in its third season. The new cast of season three turns up the heat at HBCU Virginia State University where tempers fly, tears flow, and secrets are revealed as eight college students struggle to live under one roof. From the camaraderie of Homecoming celebrations and sexy hot tub scenes, to break-ups and an emotional visit to Rosa Parks' funeral - emotions and conflicts are at an all-time high.

MEET THE FAITH charts a new course for Sunday talk shows showcasing what happens when religious leaders from mosques, synagogues, chapels and mega-churches gather in a non-religious forum to challenge the day's hottest
topics. Award-winning journalist Carlos Watson of CNN fame moderates, mediates and referees this spirited discussion of multicultural hot-button issues. Without a doubt, this blending of cultures and belief systems will both clash and concur as panelists sort out the news and headlines of the
week on Sunday mornings.

BET is known for its high-wattage mega-specials, and these viewer favorites set new ratings milestones each year. In 2006, BET will once again present its annual CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL, hosted by the multi-dimensional Steve Harvey. Taped at LA's historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre, CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL will unite the brightest gospel stars of this generation and secular artists with gospel roots for an evening of uplifting and inspirational music. CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL premieres on February 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
In April, SPRING BLING brings fever to the beach with sizzling hip-hop performances, blazing hot beachwear, and fun in the sun premiering on Thursday, April 13, 2006. Then RIP THE RUNWAY, produced in partnership with Cossette Productions, takes viewers on a virtual stroll down the catwalk in the fashion capitol of the world, New York City, to bring the hottest trends in urban fashion and music to television. Finally, BET's flagship mega-special, BET AWARDS '06 relocates to the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, as BET celebrates its 6th year of honoring
outstanding achievement in music, entertainment and sports with a star-studded "live" telecast. The most-watched awards program among African-American viewers, this year's show will again be the hottest ticket in Black Hollywood, with glitzy red carpet arrivals, explosive show performances and riveting tributes by the hottest names in entertainment.