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Completely alienatedI am a little disgruntled today. That is pretty hard to do because I consider myself a cool, collected and positive gent. (though some would disagree but who cares about THEM?) But today I have to vent just a little.

Growing up as a youngin from the burbs of Union City, California there were a few things that I could always count on. One was that my mom would definitely be asking me if I had eaten yet, even if she had seen me JUST polish off a plate of food. I could also count getting into crazy adventures with a great group of friends. Another one was that I would NOT be missing my favorite shows that came on BET. That was a no-no, something that I just didn’t do.

You see. For millions for kids (ALL kids, not just black, cause we ALL watched, don’t front) growing up in the mid-90′s all around the nation, BET served as a symbol of the limitless possibilities that could exist for black men and women out there in the realm of news and entertainment.

I was spellbound by shows such as Teen Summit which tackled relevant social issues affecting people who looked like me and dealt with many of the same issues I did. Then there was my man Donnie Simpson (ole green eyes!) who was quite simply was one of the best VJs to do it.  And who could forget the videos! I couldn’t get enough Hip Hop and R&B vids at that time and BET kept the good stuff in rotation! I remember Free and AJ and the original 106 & Park. And let’s not even get started on BET Uncut…If you remember Uncut, then nuff said. It was like a right of passage for adolescent males.

All of this was fascinating to me at the time. I really wanted to know more about how BET came to be and through some research, eventually found out about Bob Johnson, founder of BET. I read his book on the founding of BET and was inspired to reach for the stars and become an entrepreneur myself. (one of many inspirations)

Then, “something” happened. BET slowly started to change. I’m not the only person who noticed it. Some say that “it” happened when Bob Johnson sold BET to Viacom in 2000. Say what you want to but the quality of programming that came from BET post-Viacom has been a little “lacking.” Things started to look and feel like a black version of MTV (also owned by Viacom) with similar shows and programming. (Hell date anyone?) Even through these changes (which I detested!) Even when former employees started talking mess, I was still rocking with BET. To me, it was a loyalty thing. (and when I say rocking with them I mean NOT talking trash. I stopped watch long ago…)

You see, one of the first companies I helped grow with was an ambitious start-up by the name of BlackTree Media. We worked hard with this company and today BlackTree Media is one of the worlds fastest growing New Media companies.

The 2003 BET Awards was the one of the first events that we ever attended as media. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was so exciting! We filmed red carpet interviews and asked questions to the stars in the press room.  I was a 23 year old kid hanging out in the VIP with Snoop Dogg, Aston Kutcher and the other stars of music and movies. (great times!)

I payed attention to it all. The production, the press room, the venue and how professional and organized it all was. I was VERY proud of BET, the “little engine that could.” Now it had become a entertainment and media worldwide powerhouse!

BlackTree Media had a great relationship with BET for all the years leading up to the last few. They were a gracious and accommodating host when dealing with us as media. We would always defend their more questionable TV show choices and the deteriorating quality of their programming for this reason.

But now with the 2010 BET Awards looming, the unthinkable has happened. BET has rejected ALL BLACK MEDIA outlets from covering the Black Entertainment Television Awards!?! The sheer irony alone is enough to make you wanna slap yourself.

The crazy part is just how wide reaching these neglected outlets reach online. Our outlet, for example, has received over 310,000,000 million views of its video content and more than 10 million views from the BET Awards over the years. This more than doubles BET’s own online views output for their show. Go figure.

Why one EARTH would they reject some of the same people who have supported them from the very beginning? THEY say its because of space constraints and the sheer volume of media requests, which may be true. But you mean to tell me that there is not room for ONE Black outlet? C’mon son. Sounds a bit fishy to me…

It really doesn’t make sense why BET would do this and undermine media outlets who have such strong voices and have supported them all these years. I don’t know if this can be attributed to a Viacom conspiracy but the change in the once beloved network has escalated for the worse. I don’t know too many people with too many positive things to say about BET these days.

However, I will always remember the former years of BET with fond memories and I do wish them the best. But, truth be told, they have lost a once faithful supporter with this shabby treatment. They seem to be a little out of touch and if they are not careful the network that Bob built may one day come crumbling down. I hope and pray that this doesn’t happen but if it does, I for one will understand why.