For Information Contact:
Dr. Norma S. White, Chair
904.765.1941
Normaaka@aol.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JOINT STATEMENT
COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS RESPOND TO
ALLEGED BOYCOTT OF BET
Arlington, VA, December 2001 – At their December 1,
2001 meeting, the Council of Presidents (COP) of the
National Pan-Hellenic Council Organizations discussed
the issues surrounding the proposed boycott of Black
Entertainment Television (BET).
A draft of a letter penned by COP expressing their
concerns with the overall programming in general, and
with a recent meeting the had with BET executives in
particular, prematurely found its way to the internet.
COP has learned that the draft has prompted positive
support of their concerns across the country,
including potential action by the Congress of the
United States.
The draft letter, although not authorized for release,
has also generated responses by BET, executives of the
recording industry and other media persons. The
responses indicate a willingness on the part of these
entities to discuss how they might be more conscious
of their role in helping the positive development of
the African-American community.
At this time, COP is withholding its call for a
boycott of BET, pending the outcome of these
discussions.