Cable network founded by Robert Johnson in 1979. Johnson artfully managed new forms of television distribution—sharing satellites and trading Time Warner stock for access— and advertisers targeting black audiences. Initial programming included older black films, music and some public service combined with many infomercials (often without black relevance). Series taken from other networks and new studio productions appeared in the 1990s. BET reaches 35 million subscribers; audiences tend to be young but predominantly non-African American. Hence, while an economic success story for blacks, it may not be providing the cultural leadership of films or music.