Programmers to share BET duties

MTV Films honcho Loretha Jones and veteran Black Entertainment Television executive Stephen Hill will share the title of president of programming for BET, the network said Thursday.

Both Jones and Hill will report to BET Chairman and Chief Executive Debra L. Lee. The appointments are effective immediately.

The two succeed former President of Entertainment Reginald Hudlin, who left BET in September after three years.

Jones, who was executive vice president of MTV Films and a former creative partner of filmmaker Robert Townsend, will oversee original programming, news, development, planning and acquisitions, while Hill, who was previously executive vice president of music programming and talent for the network, will oversee all music programming and specials.

-- Greg Braxton