Stephen Hill, President Of Programming At BET, Abruptly Exits Network
By Isha Thorpe
March 30, 2017
President of Programming at BET, Stephen Hill, is leaving the network and fans of BET are having meltdowns everywhere. EVP Head of Original Programming, Zola Mashariki, is parting ways with the company, too.
Hill has been an executive at BET for over 18 years. During his time at the network, he helped to create numerous popular programs such as "106 & Park," "The BET Awards," "The Hip Hop Awards," "Real Housewives Of Husbands," and even more recently; critically-acclaimed "The New Edition Story" and "Rebel." Connie Orlando, SVP Specials, Music Programming, and News, will serve as the interim Head of Programming; while BET looks for a replacement.
Today (March 29), Hill made the announced in a memo sent out to his colleagues. "This Friday, 6,549 days after I took my first step through the doors of BET, I will walk my last one out," he wrote. "It has been my honor to serve this brand in that span and I am thrilled to have been able to be a member of the teams that ideated and created so many spectacles, moments, memories and miracles. It’s been fulfilling to be part of huge changes that literally shifted culture."
BET Chairman/CEO Debra Lee also issued a statement about Hill's departure. "Who could ever forget THE Prince Tribute, James Brown and Michael Jackson, Beyoncé & Kendrick Lamar?" Lee said. "This list can go on and on. The incredible 'awww yeahhh' moments Stephen has created during his 18 years literally are too many to mention." You can read both Hill and Lee's letters here.
Ever since this news broke, Black Twitter has been going through it, chile. Read some Twitter reactions below.
Stephen Hill also is responsible for The New Edition Story and that was a hit across the board. Something isn't right here. pic.twitter.com/eCHRCC9VNY
— ᴅᴏʟʟᴀʀ (@callmedollar) March 29, 2017
Stephen Hill exiting BET is more than a "shake up." That's a damn tsunami. I swore he wasn't leaving until he turned into ashes.
— ᴅᴏʟʟᴀʀ (@callmedollar) March 29, 2017
My man @StephenGHill has been the beating heart of BET for many years. The style of BET flowed from him. The net won’t be same without him.
— Touré (@Toure) March 30, 2017
All I know is that Stephen Hill got Michael Jackson to the BET awards in 03'. That's when I knew he was that dude
— Krystaaaaaaal (@K_Shirelle) March 29, 2017
Stephen Hill leaving BET? Wtf. Ima need answers. Hell naw. Helllllllllllll N-O. This was a shock.
— Martez Kobé (@__DatKingCole) March 29, 2017
Stephen Hill's exit letter reads like a novel. One of the most beautiful things I've read this year. Wow, #TVlegend. https://t.co/1wkpkto0RN
— GiaPeppers.com (@GiaPeppers) March 29, 2017
I really feel a way about Stephen Hill leaving BET…he was the only glimmer of hope they had of not hitting rock bottom… So much for that
— Bernie Snac (@BlackKingBreezy) March 29, 2017
Stephen Hill did a lot for BET and for the culture .
— 🤔Quavo Pendergrass (@CalledMe_Buskey) March 29, 2017
Stephen Hill is leaving BET?! 🤔
— Chaka Khan Artist (@TheCourtJASter) March 29, 2017
I gotta have a talk with Stephen Hill one time for the culture for leaving the same network (BET) that he literally RAN. IDC bro. 😢
— The Trilla Poet.™ (@KingJSTA2) March 30, 2017
Wow @Viacom @BET @StephenGHill stepped down 😩😔 4 those who don't know he pushed for the #newedition film to be made & aired via BET
— Prezident Young (@PrezidentYoung) March 30, 2017
We'll miss you, Stephen. Thank you for all you've done for BET and the culture.
Photo: Getty Images