Long running BET channel BET Jazz — which was officially renamed BET J back on March 1— has taken on a new programming initiative to match it's updated name. BET Digital Networks Executive VP & GM Paxton K. Baker mapped out the new direction in a letter distributed to the industry this week.
While continuing to feature jazz music, BET J will be embracing soul, r&b, reggae, Latin and all related genres. Highlights to the new schedule include two new M-F primetime shows:
- Soul Sessions — a mix of r&b and soul videos from both veteran and developing artists
- Timeless — A biography series that focuses on the careers of r&b legends
Weekend programming is broken into two thematic days: Caribbean Saturdays which will boast a full line-up of reggae, Latin and other Caribbean music videos, and Soul Sundays, a survey of the soul and r&b landscapes.
In addition to all of this music video programming, Baker promises in the letter that there are plans to add even more hours in the near future.
BET J reaches over 26 million viewer and is carried by all major cable operators and Direct TV. Curretn artists being played on BET J include Amel Larrieux, Corinne Bailey Rae, Hill St. Soul, Jaheim, Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, Raheem DeVaughn and Urban Mystic. Look for BET J adds to be included in the weekly programming updates on Video Static.
