Recently, the landscape of entertainment and media has shifted with significant leadership changes at BET. Scott Mills, who has been an influential figure at the company for 23 years, announced his departure on December 3. Mills’ journey began in 1997 when he joined as Senior Vice President of Business Development at Viacom, eventually rising to the role of President and CEO in 2017, following Debra Lee. His exit marks a pivotal moment for the network, especially in light of the recent merger between BET’s parent company, Paramount, and Skydance.
Mills expressed heartfelt sentiments in his farewell memo to staff, stating, “Leading this extraordinary brand and serving the Black community alongside all of you has been an incredible honor and privilege.” He took a moment to reflect on the growth and achievements of BET during his tenure, crediting the talented team for their commitment and passion. “I’m deeply proud of what we’ve built,” he noted, encapsulating a legacy that stretches over two decades.
His professional journey was significantly influenced by his early experiences under Bob Johnson, BET’s founder. Mills described his time with Johnson as a “master class in bold vision and exceptional execution,” recognizing the entrepreneur’s lasting impact on Black business leadership. Under Mills, BET managed to navigate various periods of uncertainty, especially during times when it was considered for sale. Paramount’s recent decision not to list the network for sale underscores the importance of stability that Mills brought during tumultuous times.
Stepping into Mills’ shoes is Louis Carr, a veteran in the industry who has dedicated nearly 40 years to BET. As the former President of Media Sales, Carr has an impressive track record, securing $9 billion in advertising revenues from major brands like Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and McDonald’s. This long-standing relationship with the company positions him as a capable leader to guide BET through its next chapter. George Cheeks, Paramount’s Chair of TV Media, praised Carr’s experience and commitment to the network’s cultural impact, emphasizing that he is well-prepared to lead.
However, the transition has not been without its challenges. Following the merger, Mills announced an indefinite pause on traditional signature events like the BET Hip-Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards. He stated, “We have suspended the Soul Train and Hip-Hop award shows,” indicating a need to rethink how these prominent cultural events fit into the evolving media landscape. The announcement drew considerable criticism from industry insiders and artists alike.
Prominent figures in the culture, such as Fat Joe and Jadakiss, voiced their discontent over the suspension of these “Black” awards, describing it as a form of “gentrification.” Their concerns reflect a broader anxiety within the community about the future representation of Black culture in mainstream media and the essence of awards that celebrate its rich history and achievements.