Many rumours have circulated regarding the potential buyer of Paramount Global’s BET brand. Tyler Perry, a multibillionaire studio owner and director, seems to be the front-runner to take over BET.
Several people have indicated interest in buying BET during the past few months. Diddy and 50 Cent, two hip-hop moguls, were mentioned as potential bidders. According to a recent rumor from The Streamr, Perry will acquire ownership of BET Media Group for an undisclosed sum. A multi-year collaborative venture between Tyler Perry Studios and the BET+ streaming service was previously signed by Perry.
If Perry does complete an agreement to purchase BET Media Group, he will also become the network’s owner of VH1. “Rumor? No, it’s not a rumor, I’ve been there for four years now and had tremendous success,’” said Tyler Perry to Entertainment Tonight in April 2023 about the potential purchasing of BET. The 53 year old actor added,
“I wasn’t expecting this to happen, so, yes—if that is possible, I’m very, very interested in taking as much of it… If it’s possible, I’m gonna take as much of it as I can.”
Tyler Perry is most known for portraying Mabel “Madea” Simmons in a number of stage productions and motion pictures, including the Netflix film A Madea Homecoming from 2022. The BET cable channel was first broadcast in January 1980 by Robert L. Johnson. Programs including Teen Summit, Rap City, The Game, College Hill, The New Edition Story, and The Breakfast Club have all been shown on the network.
