BET J (formerly BET
on Jazz), which boasts nearly 32 million subscribers, has been rebranded under the Centric moniker. Programming focuses on music and lifestyle. BET J has deals with such key distributors as
DirecTV, Time Warner Cable and Cablevision Systems.
Centric is handled by MTV Networks' affiliate-sales team, but otherwise it is run by BET. The new network will take aim at
Comcast/Radio One-owned TV One in targeting 25-to 54-year-old African-Americans. BET and MTV are not planning any major marketing campaigns for the channel until 2010.