Johnson founded Black Entertainment Television (BET) in 1980

(Black PR Wire) Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) was inducted into the 26th Hall of Fame Class by the Television Academy along with five television legends.  The Hall of Fame honors persons who have made outstanding contributions in the arts, sciences, or management of television over a lifetime career or through singular achievements.  

The 2022 Hall of Fame honorees being recognized alongside Johnson include Debbie Allen (Emmy®-award winning director/choreographer); Ken Burns (16-time Emmy® winner/documentary films); Robert Daly (Warner Bros. television executive and entertainment industry visionary); Rita Moreno (acclaimed actress and Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT) winner spanning more than seven decades); and Donald Morgan (11-time Emmy® winner in directing, photography and lighting).  The six inductees join more than 150 individuals previously inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception in 1984.  The Academy also honored award-winning and acclaimed actor, director, and activist Sean Penn with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his decades of activism. 

During the awards ceremony, Johnson expressed his gratitude to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and challenged the industry to do for up-and-coming Black entrepreneurs and artists what John Malone, Chairman of Liberty Media, did for him, “If anybody is responsible for BET’s existence, it’s John Malone.  John was critical not only for the financial investment, but his partnership was instrumental in getting an automatic stamp of approval from cable operators when I first started BET.”

Johnson further stated, “I’m receiving this award because of what can be done when ideas, capital, and a commitment to give people a chance to be successful is combined.  The commitment of one man, John Malone, who took a young man’s vision and turned it into an opportunity. That’s the kind of spirit that needs to be put in front of other emerging Black artists – that’s what is missing in our industry – the more we start focusing on this combination – the more we will have successful stories like BET,” he concluded.

Liberty Media Chairman John Malone who invested in Bob Johnson’s vision to create BET wrote, “… Cable was still in its infancy, and Bob recognized a void in cable programming for the African American market.  Bob wanted to be the person to fill that void and believed his channel could deliver entertainment programming options that were unavailable to the African American community on cable...Bob achieved his goal and launched the first Black cable television network, but I believe his contribution goes far beyond BET. The success of BET advanced the careers of many others.  I never doubted Bob’s commitment to making BET a success.”

“These legendary performers, creators, craftspeople and television executives are luminaries in our industry; their work has influenced and immeasurably elevated the current television landscape and culture,” said Frank Scherma, chairman and CEO of the Television Academy. “We are proud to induct these trailblazers into the Hall of Fame and honored to celebrate their extraordinary contributions to our industry.”

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 About The RLJ Companies -The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies.  Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate; private equity; 401(k) fintech services; automobile dealerships; content streaming; gaming; and sports betting.  The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD with affiliate operations in Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; and San Juan, PR.

 About the Television Academy -The Television Academy strives to shape and advance the dynamic television landscape and advocate for the global television industry capturing the zeitgeist of a new generation of entertainment. Through its innovative programs, publications and events, the Academy and its Foundation endeavors to foster and empower the diverse community of storytellers fueling the medium while celebrating those who have excelled in the industry, recognizing their achievements through awards and accolades, including the coveted Primetime Emmy® Award. For more information, please visit TelevisionAcademy.com.