Scott Mills Departs BET After 23 Years as President & CEO

Scott Mills, the longtime President and CEO of BET Media Groupwhich encompasses the BET cable channel, BET Studios, and the streaming service BET+is leaving the company after 23 years. He recently informed employees of his decision through an internal memo.

Leading this incredible brand and serving the Black community alongside all of you has been a true honor, Mills wrote in his farewell message.

Mills was the most senior Viacom/Paramount executive still at the company following Skydances acquisition of Paramount in August. After the merger, BET became part of Paramounts newly formed TV Media division, alongside CBS and other cable brands such as Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon, under the leadership of former Paramount co-CEO George Cheeks. Mills position as President and CEO remained unchanged throughout the corporate restructuring.

During his career at BET and its predecessors ViacomCBS and Viacom, Mills held several roles starting in 1997, including SVP of Business Development, COO of BET Interactive, CFO, and President and COO of the network. He later moved to Viacom as EVP and Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing Human Resources, Media Technology, Real Estate, Programming Acquisitions, and more. Mills was appointed President of BET in 2017 and added the CEO title in 2021.

Under Mills leadership, BET launched BET Studios in collaboration with Kenya Barris and Rashida Jones, rolled out the BET+ streaming platform, and expanded into co-branded FAST channels. He also partnered with high-profile creators like Tyler Perry, Lena Waithe, and Lee Daniels, supporting original scripted content that helped solidify BETs presence in digital and cable media.

Mills played a key role in transforming BET from a traditional cable network into a multi-platform media company, maintaining relevance with Black audiences across television and streaming services. Despite previous attempts to sell the network and its assets, BET remained under Paramounts ownership, with CEO David Ellison confirming the brand is not for sale.

In his memo, Mills reflected on his journey with BET, acknowledging the guidance of co-founder Robert L. Johnson and former CEO Debra Lee. He highlighted the networks expansion beyond cable, the success of BET+, the creation of BET Studios, and the establishment of FAST channels. Mills also praised the contributions of the Black creative community and the companys partnerships with organizations like the NAACP and National Urban League.

What I cherish most is working alongside incredible colleagues, supporting our community, and collaborating with the boldest creative minds in the industry, Mills wrote. Thank you for your partnership, passion, and belief in BET. It has been a privilege to guide this brand while transforming it for the future.

Author: Grace Ellison