It’s the end of an era. After 14 years, BET has decided to pull the plug on it’s long running 106 & Park show in favor of a digital only format.
Launched in 2000 as an alternative to MTVs Total Request Live, the countdown became a platform for new Hip Hop & R&B, as entertainers and actors alike used the show to connect with a younger generation. First made famous by original hosts Free and AJ, the show has since seen Big Tigger, Julissa, Terrence J, Rocsi Diaz, Miss Mykie, Bow Wow, Keshia Chante and more take over hosting duties.
BET’s President of Music Programming & Specials released the following statement:
“AJ accepting Janet Jackson’s challenge to…dance. Bow Wow laying that kiss on Tyra Banks (or was it the other way around?). Free crawling around the set LIKE Catwoman WITH Catwoman Halle Berry. Julissa’s taking over Halloween as “Wonder Woman”. Keshia brilliantly bonding with First Lady Michelle Obama. Paigion flying around the world with Rihanna on a 777. Rocsi salsa dancing with Victor Cruz and putting him to shame. Shorty and Ms. Mykie’s killer rap “The History of Justin Timberlake”, visibly thrilling JT himself. Terrence on the beat boxing while Jamie Foxx rhymed. Tigger making Tom Cruise do the of-the-moment “motorcycle dance.”
It’s been a great 14 year run as America’s top music/variety show on cable. And now that very valuable brand is going to take its talents to the digital realm. The interactive brand you helped build, 106 & Park, is alive and well…and it’s moving to the space in which our audience NOW interacts with music the most; online. It’ll be very exciting to connect with the millions of people that are already engaged with 106 & Park and other BET digital and social media entities and bring content that will further evolve the 106 & Park brand…and enhance the overall BET Networks brand. As we transition to the digital space, we look to continue 106 & Park’s role as both a leader of and a mirror to youth culture. We’ll have more information to share about how that is to roll out very soon.”