BET Networks Issues Statement on Passing of Don Cornelius — BET/Centric Honors His Legacy with a Special Programming Lineup

NEW YORK — February 1, 2012 — BET and CENTRIC will pay homage to SOUL TRAIN creator, executive producer and host Don Cornelius with a special lineup of programming dedicated to his prolific life and legacy. On tonight’s episode of 106 & PARK at 6:00 p.m.*, hosts Terrence J and Rocsi will honor the life and accomplishments of the Soul Train founder with a special vignette followed by the documentary SOUL TRAIN: HIPPEST TRIP IN AMERICA at 8:00 p.m.* In addition, CENTRIC, the flagship network for the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS, will run a special 24-hour marathon of classic SOUL TRAIN episodes beginning tonight at 12:00 a.m.*

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Don Cornelius. He was a pioneer in the television and music industries and his legacy and influence on American culture will continue to live on for many generations to come. He made Soul Train a destination for lovers of black culture and music and connected the world to our culture and we are forever grateful,” said Debra L. Lee, Chairman & CEO of BET Networks.

“We owe so much of our success to him, he built the space for the creation of a BET, built a platform for the music that our audience loves and gave a voice to countless artists that shaped black culture and beyond—his impact can’t be measured. He will be missed, but remembered at every wedding, party and family reunion forever with the enduring Soul Train line.”

BET Programming Lineup
Wednesday, February 1
6:00 p.m.* – 106 & PARK Special Episode
8:00 p.m.* – SOUL TRAIN: HIPPEST TRIP IN AMERICA

Thursday, February 2
8:00 p.m.* – SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2011

CENTRIC Programming Lineup
Wednesday, February 1
10:00 p.m.* – SOUL TRAIN: HIPPEST TRIP IN AMERICA
12:00 a.m.* – 24-hour SOUL TRAIN Marathon

Thursday, February 2
24-hour SOUL TRAIN Marathon continues…

Friday, February 3
9:00 p.m.* – SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2011

Saturday, February 4
10:00 a.m.* – 12-hour SOUL TRAIN Marathon
10:00 p.m.* – SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2010

Sunday, February 5
9:00 a.m.* – 12-hour SOUL TRAIN Marathon

For more updates on Don Cornelius, photo flipbooks of the past 40 Years of SOUL TRAIN and videos of previous SOUL TRAIN AWARDS, please visit www.bet.com and www.centrictv.com. Viewers can keep up with this developing story on Twitter by following @BET and @CentricTV.

*All times are ET/PT.