BET Networks to give black UK talent a platform.

BET Networks is to use the launch of its UK channel to promote black British artists in the US.

The network, a division of MTV parent company Viacom, launched its first international station last Thursday on channel 209 of the free-to- air Sky digital satellite platform, making it accessible in more than 8.8m UK households.

Content at launch consists largely of US imports, including music video countdown show 106 & Park, gospel show Sunday Best and documentaries featuring DMX and Lil' Kim.

However, the network, which already has a UK hip hop category at its BET Hip Hop Awards, says that programming will grow to include more regional content, with British music a priority.

"We have already started doing that [supporting UK music talent] with the hip hop awards," says BET International senior vice president and general manager Michael Armstrong. "As part of our schedule, we will include music in partnership with MTV Base. We will find ways to use our brands together to engage with British music talent. We are also looking at how to introduce these artists to the US."

"BET.com is doing coverage of this [launch] event," he adds. "And they are going to do a piece that examines ...