BET Hit by Layoffs as Part of Paramount Global Latest U.S. Job Cuts

BET Announces Layoffs Across Multiple Departments

BET, the world’s largest media company dedicated to the Black community, is making layoffs across multiple departments amid the broader wave of cutbacks at parent company Paramount Global. The layoffs were announced by BET CEO Scott Mills in a memo to staff on Wednesday, as reported by Variety.

In the memo, Mills stated, “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.”

The number of BET staffers being laid off was not immediately available. These job cuts are part of the 3.5% U.S. workforce reduction that Paramount Global announced on June 10, affecting several hundred employees.

According to Mills, BET is implementing a “streamlined organization structure” where the company will continue to operate core functions such as content strategy and production, programming, marketing and insights, social impact, advertising sales, streaming, and digital. Additionally, BET will leverage Paramount’s support functions in areas including linear TV research, finance, and business and legal affairs.

Paramount Global, the parent company of BET, CBS, Paramount+, Comedy Central, MTV, and Paramount Pictures, is still awaiting approval from the Trump administration’s FCC for its deal to merge with Skydance Media. The delay in approval was highlighted by President Trump’s recent comments regarding a lawsuit against CBS.

BET Media Group encompasses various platforms including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, and more, dedicated to championing Black culture and serving diverse communities.

In his memo, Mills expressed gratitude to departing team members and emphasized the resilience of the BET brand and business. He thanked the remaining staff for their commitment and assured them of BET’s continued forward progress.

As BET navigates these changes, the company remains focused on its mission to provide quality content and services to its audience while adapting to the evolving media landscape.