BET President Louis Carr Revives Soul Train Awards

Get ready for some exciting news from BET! Just three months into his new role as President, Louis Carr is already making big moves, confirming the highly anticipated return of the Soul Train Awards. This announcement comes as Carr lays out his ambitious vision for the network’s future, aiming to reconnect with its core audience and embrace a new era of programming.

A New Chapter for BET

Carr, who has an impressive four-decade history with BET, stepped into the network presidency last December, a move that even surprised him. “I didn’t see it coming,” he admitted in a recent interview. With a background primarily in ad sales, where he and his team generated over $10 billion in revenue, Carr brings a wealth of experience to his new leadership position.

He understands the importance of adaptation, especially given recent changes within the company, including the absorption of BET+ into Paramount+ and the sale of Tyler Perry’s stake. Despite the network facing shifts and the short run of shows like “106 & Sports,” Carr is focused on a revitalized mission.

Focusing on Community, Culture, and Connection

Carr is championing a new slogan: “BET is something you can believe in.” He emphasizes that the network’s future lies in three key areas: community, culture, and connection. “Brands that serve Black consumers have to be engaged in the community. They expect that. They expect to be seen. They expect to be heard. They expect to be respected. And they expect to be understood,” Carr explained.

This renewed focus harks back to BET’s roots, aiming to combat misinformation and serve Black America at large. Carr believes BET is uniquely positioned to understand and amplify Black culture, stating, “We understand what’s going to be hot and what’s not anymore.” He sees the current media landscape as an exciting challenge, positioning BET to potentially lead the way in finding the “new paradigm” for serving its community.

Reviving Beloved Shows and Expanding Content

Excitingly, Carr confirmed the return of the Soul Train Awards, a show celebrated for honoring the best in R&B, which had been on an indefinite pause since 2025. “That’s the one everyone wants to come back,” he noted. Alongside this beloved awards show, BET is exploring new avenues like microseries, microdramas, and original series.

The network is also looking to bolster its sports and comedy programming, genres that were staples in the ’90s and early 2000s. Additionally, a social program centered on mental health is in the works, reflecting a commitment to addressing important issues within the community.

With Carr at the helm, and navigating the evolving media landscape under the Paramount Skydance merger, BET is poised for a significant transformation. His vision blends the return of familiar favorites with innovative new content, all aimed at reinforcing BET’s position at the forefront of Black culture and consciousness.