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Symposium Report April 9, 2002 
On April 9, 2002, the Hampton University chapter of the NAACP organized a large forum called the BET Symposium. Below is an actual transcript of both the introduction and the conclusion of this event highlighting the concerns about this network.
NAACP Political Action Committee BET Symposium Committee Written by, R. Suber Presented April 9, 2002 Tonight, we will be highlighting Black Entertainment Television and its effects on the black community. BET is broadcasted throughout our campus: from the cafeteria to our New Student Center. This institutional support of the network has lead to a great deal of controversy because of the questionable messages that this network seems to perpetuate. There has been a great deal of debate and concern about the images that are sent out by this network, current ownership under VIACOM, and the past contemplation of boycott by the National Pan Hellenic Council. For these reasons, we will be addressing these concerns.
BREAKDOWN OF BET PROGRAMMING:
During the week of 3/11/02, the BET Planning Committee broke down the programming lineup of Black Entertainment Television. In this breakdown, we separated the programs that air on this network into 3 categories that include Paid Programming/Infomercials, Music Video Programming, News-Informative Programming, and programming that did not fit into either of these categories. The statistics are as followed. Paid Programming and Infomercials include both non-BET sponsored religious programming such as Creflo Dollar, along with Product Advertisements. Paid programming on any given week makes up approximately 42.5 hours of BET airtime in a 7-day period. This makes up 25.3% of BET’s overall programming. Music Video Programming includes shows that revolve and focus around music videos—mostly which are commercial rap and rhythm and blues videos. They include the following:
Music Video-related programming constitutes of approximately 69 hours of BET airtime in a given 7-day period. This makes up 49.1% of BET’s overall programming. Informative and News-related programming includes programs that inform the public and heighten awareness on issues related to both the black community and in the world. They include the following:
***Oh Drama (not included in the news-informative category) These four shows make up 7 hours of BET airtime in a given 7-day period. This makes up 4.2% of BET’s overall programming. (This figure includes the repeated half-hour repeat of Teen Summit on Saturday evening and the half-hour repeat of Lead Story on Sunday afternoon.) The programming that falls into the “Other” category include:
These shows make up 19.5 hours of BET airtime in a given 7-day period. This makes up 21.4% of BET’s overall programming. Let me make an important note that ComicView airs 6 hour-long shows a week, each of which are repeated once a day. This makes up 12 hours of programming a week and make up more than half of programs in this category. ComicView single-handedly airs on BET more than all of the informative and news-related programming combined! Again these figures were recorded from the week of 3/11/02 and vary slightly from week to week. According to an article in Encarta’s Africana division, African Americans have been put off by Black Entertainment Television’s racy videos, risque humor and have accused it of perpetuating black stereotypes since its inception. Cita’s World, arguably the “backbone” of BET’s programming, occupies two hours of airtime six days a week. Lee Hubbard, columnist of Africana.com, calls the computer-generated host, Cita, a stereotypical image of a black woman spouting stereotypical African American slang. Music video shows on BET which comprise of about half of all of its programming, show rap and r&b videos which often displays images of extravagance and excess. In addition, many of the featured videos showcased on this network promote the image of black men being thugs and degrade the image of black women. Due to these images, the National Pan Hellenic Council under President Norma Solomon White, drafted a letter to then, CEO of BET, Robert Johnson, threatening to boycott the network. Although the letter was never sent, it was circulated and eventually made its way around the internet. Nevertheless, the letter expresses the sentiment of many Black people in America. In the letter, it states “As discussed with you and your staff, we believe that BET does not operate in the best interest of the African American Community. Your responses to our concerns were not only unacceptable, but were also insulting. We raised concerns with you about the type of videos shown on BET that have a negative influence on our community, particularly our youth. We believe that these videos are an exploitation of African American youth.” White goes on to state that the network’s relationship with the black community is “woefully insensitive” in relation to the networks support of black businesses and institutions. While the boycott never took place, the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s message was clear. “Change your programming.” Aaron McGruder, comic strip writer cites BET as taking “the lazy way out with cheap shows that pander to sex and violence and money.” Occurrences of volume fluctuations, programming interrupted by commercials and psychic advertisements have also angered the black community. Furthermore, the heavy traffic of infomercials and paid programming remains high even after Viacom’s purchase of the network. While many can argue BET’s positive impact on the community as the first black-owned network with informative news and talk shows, the network clearly has a long way to go. Nevertheless, it is time that these images are addressed. INTRODUCTION OF PANELISTS/MODERATORS -Ms. Nefetari Kirkman-Bey, Senior Class President -Mr. Henry Stovall, Past President of the Peninsula Pan-Hellenic Council -Dr. Bernadette Holmes, Professor of Sociology -Dr. Janice Collins, Professor of Mass Media -Mr. Robert Dixon, WHOV-Radio Special Thanks to the Moderators for the evening: *Mr. Furon McClurkin, Sociology Major, Amnesty International President *Ms. Rikesha Fry, Psychology Major, Honors College Executive Board LAYOUT OF RULES There will be a question and answer period following the discussion with our panelists. I would like to ask that whomever is speaking, please show them respect and I encourage everyone to actively participate in the discussion when we open up the floor. Also, I would like you to turn your attention to the survey on the inside fold of your programs. Please fill these out during the program and turn them in at the lobby at the end of the program. And now I will turn the floor over to the moderators. OPENING QUESTION (START OF PROGRAM) (Moderators pose questions to panel members. This period is followed by comments by the audience and by answers by panelists) · Each Panelists’ Reactions · Moderators pose questions to Panelists · Audience speaks out
(Not all of the following was included in actual program due to timing reasons) In addition to the quote I read from the NAACP at the beginning of the program, let me add that there is a clear injustice being done on television. While African Americans comprise of 13% of the U.S. population, we own 0% of the cable networks. Even if BET were still black-owned, that would account for less than 2% of cable networks and 0% of local networks. Yet and still, let us remember that being black-owned does not mean that the network operates in the best interest of the black community. Problems such as AIDS, Pregnancy, Homicide, Racial Profiling, Poverty, and the failing Education System in black inner-cities are things that we need to first contend with. Instead of offering an informative resolution, BET makes a mockery of these things—less than 5% of its program deals with these serious problems. Most of its programming is in fact, an escape or a diversion from these issues and NOT a resolution. So let me ask you this—when you think about it, does it sound like the only network dedicated to Black Americans should be focused on entertainment? Or are we trying to make Black Entertainment Television something it simply and truly cannot be? While many of you can agree that BET’s content can be “cleaned up”, are we trying to achieve the impossible in trying to make this one network fit the mold of all black people? While a boycott at best can force a much needed “cleaning up” of the programming, a greater need exists beyond the ability of an “entertainment” network. Many black children will quickly recognize a rap star and even quote his lyrics but would fail to name one black celebrity who didn’t rap, joke or dunk his way into stardom. While it is not a crime for us to be shown in the capacity of entertainment, African Americans are multifaceted. Yet when examining TV, we are badly misrepresented. Let me conclude by stating that if you are unhappy, with a network, don’t just turn it off and complain. Call the network. If you do not express your dissatisfaction, you have no right to be unhappy with what you see. Finally, the NAACP Chapter of Hampton University is sponsoring a petition to Black Entertainment Television and we encourage all students to sign. These petitions and surveys will serve as your voice and will hopefully make a difference. Please leave your surveys at the front desk and sign the petition on your way out. Thank you all for coming! *************(The outcome of this event was petition that will be completed in Fall 2002. In addition the surveys have been sent to Mr. Michael Lewellen and Ms. Sonya Springfield’s offices (Vice President of Corporate Communications) in Washington, D.C. This event and its outcome exemplifies what the NAACP stands for: bringing issues to the forefront for the greater good of the community.)********** Additional sources on the boycott can be found by searching the term, “BET Boycott” in google.com’s search engine. On viewing rates by age and ethnicity, visit Neilson Media’s website. Below are some of the myriad fliers that were hung around campus as early as three months before the actual event. 
 References: BET: Fear of a Black Boycott UPDATED: Brouhaha over BET continues Greeks Say No Boycott Against BET Planned Next year, possible forums will include:
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