I was also shocked and saddened to hear that BET Tonight would be cancelled. I sent an email to Viacom but I also plan on sending a letter as well. It's long.
To: Mr. Carl Folta
Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations
Dear Mr. Folta:
While listening to the Tom Joyner morning show on Wednesday, March 21, 2001, I was shocked to hear that VIACOM has decided to cancel one of the FEW shows of substance on the below average (and that's putting it nicely) network known as BET. Have you no shame? Have you no pride? Do you really think people just want to watch videos and Comic View? Is your view of African-Americans that low? Mr. Smiley was one of the few who tried to seriously discuss issues that African-Americans were talking about with their co-workers, families, and friends. He even contributed to the "E" in Black Entertainment Television by interviewing celebrities you'd rarely get to see on other "mainstream" programs.
First the show is stripped down to the bare bones and Ed Gordon is used as an excuse. Then, to add insult to injury, you throw out him like yesterday's news. Your company is truly despicable. If this is some lame attempt to make BET more like MTV, then the experiment has failed miserably. Every new show is a too little, too late rip-off of what MTV and other networks have already done and it shows. Granted these shows were in place before the VIACOM acquisition but how you can you start improving the situation but taking off one of the more intelligent programs?
It amazes me how BET can be cluttered with a ton of videos along with complete garbage like Oh Drama and Cita's World, but the show that gets cut actually makes people think and stimulates intelligent discussion. But I guess that's the point, VIACOM doesn't want that. If you didn't demonstrate it before you've certainly done it now…in your eyes black people are nothing but singing and dancing coons. This is what you've demonstrated by your deplorable, racist actions. As a result, I will no longer support a network that basically pees on my leg and tells me it's raining. I hope you are proud of yourself. African-Americans will not stand for this. Check info@viacom.com for emails from others who are appalled by your actions. Also expect more letters and phone calls.
Sincerely,
An angry and disgusted former viewer.
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