BET Postpones the Hip Hop and Soul Train Awards
With social media and streaming platforms now playing a major role in how people consume media, the cable network has made the decision to reconsider how it presents the festivities.
“We have suspended the Soul Train and Hip-Hop award shows,” BET CEO Scott Mills told Billboard.
In his own words, “I would say that it’s more about our team having to reimagine them for this changing media landscape that we find ourselves in than it is about them being no longer.”
“I believe that more people will take franchises and say, ‘This may have begun on linear television, but I’m going to move it to another media.'” Should I switch it over to streaming? Or should I transfer it to a different platform?
The ruling coincides with more significant changes in how viewers interact with entertainment. Networks are rapidly shifting to digital-first tactics as traditional cable viewership continues to fall. Although Mills admitted that the shows’ ratings had dropped, he emphasized that the productions’ caliber remained excellent.
The number of viewers dropped. But compared to a year ago, the cable ecology has shrunk. That’s just the way things are.
It was a remarkable performance. In all honesty, I believe that the reason for the drop in viewership is more the fact that we rescheduled the show’s night than the deterioration in the cable ecosystem.
The Hip Hop Awards and Soul Train Awards, which honor Black cultural excellence, will look for ways to be relevant to the next generation.
“We’re not going away from these brands,” Mills emphasized.
“We’re just taking a step back to ensure that they change to reflect how people connect and live today.”
In 2026, the prestigious BET Awards will still be held.
Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and Doechii won awards at this year’s event.
