Jada and Will - Hosting BET Awards '05

Specifics on the BET AWARDS '05 are "Top Secret" -- only a few details have been leaked and all we know for sure is that BET AWARDS '05 is going to be "Off The Meter!" BET is supporting its claim with an extensive national and grassroots marketing campaign valued at more than $2.5 million using "top secret" and "off the meter" as central themes.

The campaign includes radio advertising and promotions; national television ads on BET and other Viacom-owned networks; print ads in popular African-American publications; outdoor and transit advertising; in-theater promotions at Magic Johnson properties; local cable buys; contests; an extensive media relations initiative surrounding high-profile celebrity honorees and nominees; a grassroots program utilizing movie theaters, beauty and barber shops and dance clubs; and exciting new innovative elements for national advertisers and sponsors.

The 2004 BET AWARDS telecast smashed records as BET's #1 telecast ever (4.61 overall Nielsen household rating). The Network's 2005 salute to music, sports and entertainment premieres on Tuesday, June 28 "LIVE" from Hollywood's Kodak Theatre with Hollywood actor/actress power couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith as hosts. In addition to recognizing 14 categories across sports, music and entertainment, BET will also bestow its highest honors on the incomparable Gladys Knight with the BET Lifetime Achievement Award; and Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington and wife Pauletta with the BET Humanitarian Award. With a growing list of high-powered Hollywood stars, and a lineup of earth-shattering performances, the BET AWARDS '05 telecast is certain to measure "Off The Meter!" in every area.

READ: BET AWARDS UPDATE