BET programming head Loretha Jones is stepping down

Loretha Jones, who has been BET’s head of original programming for the last six years and helped move the network into an era of hit scripted series, is stepping down.

The Viacom-owned network announced that Jones would be leaving the company and has agreed to serve as a creative consultant working on key upcoming projects, including films. No reason was given for her departure.

“Over the course of my career at Viacom, I have had an amazing opportunity to work with some of the finest creative people in the business and oversee a slate of original programming that makes me extremely proud,” Jones said in a statement. “It’s been an incredible journey at BET Networks and I am grateful for the experience.”

A statement from the network said that Jones and her original programming team have set up BET’s slate for the coming fiscal year and have built “a strong pipeline for the future.”

Under Jones’ leadership, several scripted series were brought to the network, which had previously specialized in music videos and reality shows. Among the shows she helped to develop were “Being Mary Jane” and a reboot of the sports-flavored comedy “The Game.” She also led development of BET’s first miniseries, “The Book of Negroes.”

Darrell Walker, BET’s executive vice president and general counsel, will assume day-to-day operations until a replacement is named.