Scott Mills Steps Down as CEO of BET

After 23 years at the helm, Scott Mills, the president and CEO of BET, has announced his departure from the network. He will be succeeded by Louis Carr, BETs veteran media sales executive, who has been with the company for 39 years.

Mills exit comes amid a wave of leadership changes across Paramount Global following its merger with David Ellisons Skydance Media. With Ellisons acquisition, BET is now part of Paramounts TV Media division, alongside CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon. George Cheeks, formerly a member of Paramount Globals Office of the CEO, now serves as chairman of this division. His previous co-CEOs, Brian Robbins and Chris McCarthy, have both left, with McCarthy moving to NBCUniversal.

Technically, Mills was president and CEO of BET Media Group, overseeing BET, the streaming service BET+, and BET Studios. BET Studios will continue under Aisha Summers-Burke as a label within CBS Studios, while the leadership future of BET+ remains unclear.

Mills informed staff of his decision in a memo, reflecting on his 23-year journey with BET. He highlighted the evolution of the network, from its early days to expanding beyond cable with BET+, growing digital platforms, and launching BET Studios. Under his leadership, BET also established FAST channels, broadening access to Black audiences.

He credited the Black creative community for their pivotal role in the networks success, citing partnerships with Tyler Perry, Lee Daniels, Queen Latifah, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Hart, and others. Mills also noted the companys contributions to the community, including raising nearly $20 million during the pandemic in collaboration with Black business leaders and organizations like the NAACP and the National Urban League.

Mills expressed pride in transforming BET from a traditional cable network into a multi-platform media company and conveyed gratitude to colleagues and partners who helped uphold and advance the brands legacy.

Author: Benjamin Carter