In a move reflecting broader industry challenges, BET, a cornerstone of Black entertainment and culture, is implementing layoffs across multiple departments as part of parent company Paramount Global’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations. The announcement was made by BET CEO Scott Mills in a memo to staff on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, obtained by Variety. The layoffs are part of Paramount Global’s previously disclosed plan to reduce its U.S. workforce by 3.5%, affecting several hundred employees across its portfolio, which includes CBS, Paramount+, Comedy Central, MTV, and Paramount Pictures.
In his memo, Mills acknowledged the difficult moment for the organization, stating, “As Paramount’s co-CEOs recently shared, the company is taking further steps to streamline Paramount to ensure it is positioned for continued success. BET is not immune to the conditions necessitating these actions, so we too must reduce staff within our organization.” While the exact number of BET employees affected was not disclosed, the cuts are part of a strategic restructuring aimed at maintaining the company’s market leadership while leveraging Paramount’s broader support functions.
Mills outlined a “streamlined organization structure” that prioritizes BET’s core functions, including content strategy and production, programming, marketing and insights, social impact, advertising sales, streaming, and digital operations. Meanwhile, areas such as linear TV research, finance, and business and legal affairs will increasingly rely on Paramount Global’s scaled support systems. “We are a powerful and resilient brand, a powerful and resilient business, and most importantly, a powerful and resilient team,” Mills wrote, expressing confidence in BET’s ability to navigate these changes.
BET Media Group, described by Paramount as the world’s largest media company dedicated to the Black community, operates a diverse portfolio that includes BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1. The company spans cable television, streaming, digital content, studios, live events, and international markets, with a mission to champion Black culture.
The layoffs come at a pivotal time for Paramount Global, which is awaiting approval from the Trump administration’s FCC for its proposed merger with Skydance Media. The deal has faced scrutiny, with President Trump recently referencing his $20 billion lawsuit against CBS over a 60 Minutes segment when asked about the merger’s delays, adding a layer of complexity to Paramount’s strategic moves.
Mills expressed gratitude to departing employees, noting their significant contributions to BET’s legacy. “This is a very difficult moment – the departure of talented team members who have been great collaborators, colleagues, and friends,” he wrote. “I thank each of our departing team members for their great work, their sacrifice, and their enduring contributions.”
The layoffs reflect broader economic pressures in the media industry, where companies are grappling with shifting consumer habits, streaming competition, and economic uncertainty. Despite these challenges, Mills emphasized BET’s resilience and commitment to its mission, signaling a focus on adaptability and innovation moving forward. As the company navigates this transition, the industry will be watching closely to see how BET balances its cultural legacy with the demands of a rapidly evolving media landscape.
In a move reflecting broader industry challenges, BET, a cornerstone of Black entertainment and culture, is implementing layoffs across multiple departments as part of parent company Paramount Global’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations. The announcement was made by BET CEO Scott Mills in a memo to staff on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, obtained by Variety. The layoffs are part of Paramount Global’s previously disclosed plan to reduce its U.S. workforce by 3.5%, affecting several hundred employees across its portfolio, which includes CBS, Paramount+, Comedy Central, MTV, and Paramount Pictures.