Hip-hop entrepreneur Percy Miller (Master P) is launching a family-friendly black cable network not coincidentally like BET.  The network which will be called the Better Black Television network is an obvious jab at the Bob Johnson created juggernaut and is said to feature “positive content for a black and brown culture,” according to statement.

BBTV, which is slated to launch in 2009, will be a general entertainment channel running a wide range of scripted, unscripted and news programming, including drama and comedy series, movies, animation, reality, politics, sports and entertainment news, children’s educational and teen programming, as well as “responsible hip hop music and videos.” Oh brother…

Miller has also recruited a couple of high profile celebs for his advisory board including Denzel Washington, current NBA player (and ironically Charlotte Bobcat) Derek Anderson, DJ Kool Herc and entrepreneur Olatokunbo Betiku, Vault Load Films president Jim Finkl, NAACP executive director Vicangelo Bullock, real estate mogul Curtis Oakes and perhaps most importantly, cable industry veteran, Prof. Sal Martino.

BBTV chairman and CEO Miller said he’s had the vision for BBTV for several years. “I believe that there is a market in our community for a new diverse network that provides a new brand of superior programming that caters to all aspects of television, from reality to original programming,” he said.

Addressing how this will affect he and his son’s music exposure on other entertainment networks, Miller responded that he has “a great relationship with BET and MTV” and he and Lil’ Romeo, “will continue to do work with them and support their networks.”

Ok…I could probably write a book on this but I’ll keep it simple.  I like Master P.  He’s always had two thing going for him ambition and posititivity.  I however can’t call him an entreprenuer.  His ideas are never original.  In fact they’re rarely if ever an improvement on an existing product or service just built to compete and that’s why its tough for him to ever differentiate.  Remember that cell phone carrier he bought and bragged would one day surplant the likes of Verizon??  How’d that ever work out?

Now obviously he’s been more successful and the capital game than I so who am I to judge but with his influence I think he could really use some truely creative minds on his team.  He doesn’t have to be the face of the franchise.  In fact in many instances it hurts his credibility because he’s seen in our communities as “corny” regardless of his intent.  That’s why I’ve emphasized his advisory team.  I think that’s important because in addition to the star value he’s got some people who actually know what they’re doing.  He just could use a few more. 

Do I think this will be succesful? mildly.  Don’t think the new BET cause it won’t be but hopefully he can make BET and other networks more mindful and force their hand to produce and broadcast more social responsible programming. Thoughts?

Sources: Billboard & RealTalkNY