Viacom has announced its first direct-to-consumer streaming service with BET Play. The service will be streaming content from BET (Black Entertainment Television) to 100 countries around the world, which happens to include Malaysia.
“The launch of BET Play significantly expands the brand’s geographic availability by making it available direct to consumer in many markets where it has not previously had an established presence on TV,” said Michael D. Armstrong, Executive Vice President and General Manager, International Brand Development, Viacom International Media Networks.
BET serves mainly content starring or produced by African-American entertainers. Most of the shows are unlikely to be familiar to a Malaysian audience, although the $4.99 (about RM20) subscription fee is somewhat lower than the competition. Still, it is quite a bit to be paying for only one channel.
Shows available through BET Play are the likes of The Game, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and Being Mary Jane. Along with music programmes focusing on hip-hop, rap, and R&B; especially those featuring black artistes.
The launch of BET Play also coincides with the 2016 BET Awards which will take place on 27 June. Viewers will be able to livestream the Awards through the BET Play app; which is available on both Android and iOS.
