Calling it a self-serving move, BET founder and media executive Bob Johnson attacked a cable network boss’ decision to file a government complaint. Alfred Liggins, head of Interactive One, which owns the TV One channel, reportedly petitioned the Federal Communications Commission against Johnson’s effort to launch the Urban Television lifestyle network. Angered, Johnson wrote Liggins a letter that reads in part: “I can recall vividly when you launched TV One, you made a strenuous argument that TV One should get mandatory carriage on any cable system that served urban markets. I further recall when you said BET was not enough. You felt then that BET should not be the only voice. Now, in an amazing turn-about of self-interest or motivated by Comcast, the largest cable company which owns a significant stake in TV One, you argue that TV One should be the only (minority-owned) voice…I would, at any time that you suggest, be willing to debate with you whether or not Urban Television deserves mandatory, digital must-carriage in front of any public interest group or government hearing. I would like to hear your argument as to why the FCC should not grant digital must-carry that would promote diversity and better serve the viewing interests of African Americans.” BET is owned by the media corporation Viacom.

TAGS: Alfred Liggins, bet, Bob Johnson, TV One

Comments (5)