According to a report from Wall Street Journal, Tyler Perry will be a financial stakeholder in BET+, as well as the creator of many of the original shows and movies that we’ll see on the new streaming service. Along with shows from Tyler Perry studios, the app will include content from Viacom networks including MTV, Comedy Central, and VH1.
Reportedly, the decision to launch BET+ came after market research showing that the African American audience watches more live TV than other demographic groups. Currently, that audience is tuning into shows like The Office, but streaming media is missing channels devoted specifically to an African American audience.
“This is not about replacing a Netflix or replacing a Hulu or replacing an Amazon,” a source told WSJ. Instead, BET+ can fill a void left by those major streaming services.
We know that Viacom and CBS merger talks are in the works. In the meantime, this new streaming service is an opportunity for Viacom to join the trend of companies creating streaming services rather than only licensing content to larger services.
Sources say that we’ll learn more about the launch of BET+ in commercials during the BET Awards on June 23.
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