Reginald Hudlin, President of Entertainment for BET is leaving the network, according to an email sent to the BET staff by BET President and CEO, Debra Lee.
Though the email makes Hudlin’s split from the network seem amicable, anonymous sources have told VIBE.com that he was actually forced out. The email, which VIBE.com is running in its entirety, also names Stephen Hill the interim head of Entertainment. Currently, Hill serves as BET’s Executive Vice President of Music Programming & Talent.
Before receiving word of Hudlin’s departure from BET, VIBE went to press with a story on the network, which asked Hudlin about his position in the company. “There have been times that I’ve been in my office until midnight, trying to do everything,” Hudlin told VIBE. “I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter how late I stay up, I’m not gonna fix the problem tonight. You have to lay one brick at a time.”
Check out the full story in the October 2008 issue, on newsstands nationwide, September 16.
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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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