Centric
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| Centric | |
|---|---|
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| Launched | 1996 |
| Owned by | BET Networks (a division of (Paramount/Viacom) |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
| Formerly called | BET on Jazz (1996- May 2002) BET Jazz (May 2002-March 2006) BET J (March 2006-September 2009) |
| Sister channel(s) | BET, BET Gospel, & BET Hip-Hop |
| Website | http://www.centrictv.com |
| Availability | |
| Satellite | |
| DirecTV | 330 |
| Dish Network | 371 |
| Cable | |
| Available on most cable systems | Check local listings |
Centric (formerly BET on Jazz, BET Jazz and BET J) is a spin-off cable television channel of BET (Black Entertainment Television), created originally to showcase jazz music-related programming, especially that of black jazz musicians. It is now a general interest channel geared towards African-American adults. Centric is available in 28 million homes on DirecTV, Dish Network, Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-verse, Time Warner Cable and many other digital cable providers as part of the MTV Digital Suite.
[edit] History
BET on Jazz launched in 1996[1] as a spin-off channel to sister station BET. In 2002, it was renamed BET Jazz. On March 1, 2006, the network was re-branded as BET J and the focus shifted from a pure jazz channel to a more general interest service. While jazz music still remained the stated primary focus, programming expanded to include a block of Caribbean programs as well as some R&B, neo soul, reggaetón, and alternative hip hop. To a lesser extent, BET J also focused on go-go, electronica, and alternative rock. Programs included My Two Cents with Keith Boykin, Bryonn Bain, Crystal McCreary Anthony and Staceyann Chin, The Best Shorts hosted by Abiola Abrams, Living the Life of Marley about Ky-Mani Marley, My Model is Better Than Your Model with Eva Pigford and The Turn On hosted by Charlotte Burley.
On April 24, 2009, BET announced it would rebrand BET J as Centric, which would be programmed as a general-interest adult African-American network which would compete equally with TVOne and leave BET to exclusively target younger viewers.[2] The rebranding was completed on September 28, 2009.[3] It features music, movies, reality shows and specials for adults, along with the rights for Soul Train and the associated awards show, which will move from syndication and WGN America, whose corporate parent formerly distributed Soul Train.
[edit] References
- ^ BET J has become Centric, TBT: The Magazine, September 29, 2009
- ^ BET to Cater to Middle-Aged Blacks with Centric Cable Channel, Los Angeles Times, April 24, 2009
- ^ BET, MTVN Unveil Centric - Soft Launch For Network Aimed At African-American Adults, MultiChannel News, September 28, 2009
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