Reginald Hudlin exits BET post as president of entertainment

(September 12, 2008) In an publicly released memo issued yesterday to staff, BET Networks CEO, Debra Lee, announced that Reginald Hudlin, president of the cable channel's entertainment division, was leaving his position after three years. Lee wrote that he was "returning to his entrepreneurial roots."

The exact departure date for the 46-year-old Hudlin has not been set. Stephen Hill, BET's executive vice president of music programming and talent, will serve assume his responsibilities until a successor is named.

Hudlin, who came to the Viacom-owned cable channel in 2005 with a track record for producing a number of successful films, took on the task of moving the channel from carrying hours of music videos programming which had earned it financial reward but also ongoing public scorn.

The overhaul Hudlin introduced included original programs that became some of the highest-rated shows in the BET's 28-year history, such as "Lil' Kim: Countdown to Lockdown," "American Gangster," "Baldwin Hills," "Sunday Best" and "Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is."

Ironically, Hudlin's latest additional to BET's lineup of original series, Somebodies, debuted on the same day as the announcement of his departure. The sitcom portrays the exploits of a group of college slackers attending school in Athens, Ga.

The change in focus won critical praise but the network's ratings were in decline. According to the media research firm, SNL Kagan, average household viewing dropped 17% to 316,000 in 2007 from 353,000 in 2006.

"I always knew that I would return to the creative arena at some point," Hudlin told the Los Angeles Times. "There have always been a lot of opportunities shooting my way."

Hudlin's career has been one of consistent achievement since he graduated from Harvard in 1983. Teaming up with his brother, Warrington Hudlin, he launched his professional reputation in 1992 by turning his thesis project into the successful film, "House Party." The box office winner was followed by other successful projects, including "Boomerang" starring Eddie Murphy, the animated feature "Bebe's Kids," "The Great White Hype," Cosmic Slop for HBO, and "The Ladies Man" with Tim Meadows.

Below is the email sent to BET staff from BET President and CEO, Debra Lee:

"I'm writing to let you know that after three exciting and productive years at BET Networks, Reginald Hudlin, our President of Entertainment, is leaving the company and returning to his entrepreneurial roots as an independent producer.

"From the moment he joined the BET family, Reggie infused our program development with incredible creativity, energy and passion. Under his leadership, the entertainment division produced 17 of the top 20 highest-rated shows in the network's 28-year history, including Lil' Kim: Countdown to Lockdown, American Gangster, Baldwin Hills, Sunday Best, our first scripted series Somebodies, and our highest-rated series ever, Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is. In addition, under his guidance, we significantly ramped up our BET News division, and as a result, we've received 13 awards for our news series and specials in just over two years, including four from the National Association of Black Journalists.

"During his tenure, Reggie brought in many talented executives and built an impressive and dedicated programming team who are a huge asset to the company, and I look forward to even more compelling programming from all of them.

"Reggie has played an invaluable role in the ongoing transformation of BET Networks, including the successful launch of our DVD division and laying a solid foundation for BET Films -- he has put the network on the path to even more success. I'm thankful for everything he has contributed to our company. He is a true creative force and it has been an honor and pleasure to work with him.

"As we work on the search for Reggie's successor, I am pleased to announce that Stephen Hill will serve as the interim head of Entertainment. As you know, Stephen currently serves as our Executive Vice President of Music Programming & Talent and has created many of BET's biggest franchises, including the BET Awards, 106 & Park and College Hill. Stephen has tremendous experience and a remarkable talent for identifying, producing and presenting quality entertainment, and I'm more than confident in his ability to guide our programming plans in the interim, and that moving forward, we won't miss a beat. Please join me in thanking Reggie for all he's done for BET Networks, and in wishing him the very best."


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