The channel originally launched in 1996 as BET on Jazz, a spin-off from BET with a focus on jazz music programming targeting African Americans. By 2006, the network's name was shortened to BET J and was carrying a broader array of music-based and demographic-centric, general-interest programming. In 2009, the network relaunched as Centric, with a focus on lifestyle and music programming targeting an upscale audience. Centric would be re-positioned as a general entertainment brand targeting women by 2014, and in 2017, the network would be relaunched under its current name.
As of November 2023[update], BET Her is available to approximately 33,000,000 pay television households in the United States; down from its 2017 peak of 51,000,000 households.[1]
The channel launched on January 15, 1996, as BET on Jazz,[2] as a spin-off channel to BET. It would later be rebranded as BET Jazz in 2002; and BET J, on March 1, 2006.
On April 24, 2009, network officials announced it would rebrand BET J as Centric, a new general entertainment network with lifestyle and music programming targeting "upscale" African-American adults. The new channel was considered to be a competitor to TV One (owned by rival broadcaster Urban One). Centric's initial lineup primarily featured programming sourced from other BET's corporate siblings, and others that had been previously announced for BET J. The network planned to launch more original programs in 2010, such as the reality series Keeping Up With The Joneses and Model City. The channel also picked up reruns of the music series Soul Train, and revived the Soul Train Music Awards. Centric launched on September 28, 2009; its launch day primetime programming featured a tribute to Michael Jackson.[3][4][5]
Shift to Woman-centric programming
At its 2014 upfronts, BET's parent company (then known as Viacom) announced that it would re-position Centric as a network targeting African-American women. Included in the repositioning was a development deal with Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit Entertainment (which saw a fourth season renewal for its comedy-drama Single Ladies, moving from VH1).[6][7]
On September 25, 2017, Centric rebranded as BET Her, as part of an ongoing restructuring of Viacom's networks around its flagship brands.[8]
Programming
The channel has produced and aired a limited amount of original programming over the years (including BET Her Presents: The Couch, and the fourth season of VH1's Single Ladies as Centric). Currently, BET Her's main programming consists of reruns and simulcasts of BET programming, along with a morning block of music videos, acquired and syndicated programs, and film telecasts.[9]
List of programs broadcast by BET Her
This section needs to be updated. The reason given is: Outdated since 2023. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(July 2024)
Aspire TV – an American digital cable and satellite channel owned by businessman and former basketball player Magic Johnson.
BET – The flagship American basic cable and satellite channel of the BET Media Group, currently owned by Paramount Global, which launched in 1980 as the first television network devoted to programming targeting African-Americans.
