After three decades at BET, Chairman and CEO of BET Networks, #DebraLee, is stepping down from her position.
According to Deadline, Lee’s move came as no surprise, as she just joins the list of veteran top executives to exit a Viacom cable network amid the reorganization of the company. In fact, the company put a few pieces in place back in December when Scott M. Mills got the job as BET president.
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Although Lee was originally set to keep her role and work as an adviser to Mills, it appears there is a new plan in place that includes Lee’s exit. However, throughout her time with the network, Lee has had major success, including the most recent 2017 record-breaking mini-series, “The New Edition Story.”
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Lee was also part of the “The Game,” which became the most-watched sitcom premiere in cable TV history with its 2014 debut. In addition to all of that, Lee supervised the launch of the network’s website, developed the first network for African American women and acquired television rights to ‘Black Girls Rock!’ the publication reports.
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In the wake of her exit, Lee released a statement to thank the company and network for their “continued belief in the power of BET brand and their unwavering support” of her long and “fulfilling career.” However, despite her departure, according to BET, Lee will remain in the industry and continue her commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Read her full statement below:
“In 1986 I joined BET Networks to be its very first in-house counsel. As a young corporate attorney I saw my role as the protector of the BET brand and its employees and today, more than 32 years later, I still see myself as the protector and defender of a brand that I have helped to grow as a top destination for audiences across the globe. I have called BET Networks home for over three decades and this team is part of my extended family.”
“In addition to the legacy I have built for BET Networks in the media landscape, I am also extremely proud of the legacy of values that I helped to instill at the network during my tenure. My belief that we can do well and do good has been a guiding principle and one that I hope you will continue after my departure. Together, we have built a world-class brand that connects with fans through the power of storytelling and we have attracted and nurtured top talent across the globe.”
“I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude to our parent company, Viacom, for their continued belief in the power of the BET brand and their unwavering support of my long and fulfilling career here. I would especially like to thank Bob Bakish for supporting me as I start the next chapter in this exciting journey.”
“I could not be prouder of the enormous amount of talent and creativity at BET Networks today and I will always be BET’s number one fan, rooting for each and every one of you as you continue to break barriers and share your authenticity with the world. I leave with pride, gratitude, and joy for a life-changing professional and personal journey. Continue to do it “for the culture” and much success to you all. You deserve it.”
