BET and BET Jazz Simulcast 'MAKE IT FUNKY!' Documentary Featuring History of New Orleans Jazz and Blues on September 18 at 2 PM ET

BET and BET Jazz Simulcast 'MAKE IT FUNKY!' Documentary Featuring History of New Orleans Jazz and Blues on September 18 at 2 PM ET

Special PSAs to Air During Broadcast In Support of Contributions for Hurricane Katrina Victims

"Make It Funky!" is a lively tribute to the unique and exuberant sounds of New Orleans music. This special documentary, directed by New Orleanian Michael Murphy, chronicles the zesty musical history of the "Big Easy" and its powerful influence and impact on popular music for more than a century. Tune in on September 18 at 2 p.m. ET for red hot interviews, fiery archival footage and blazing performances such as "Fire On The Bayou" to "Let The Good Times Roll." A world-class line-up of both notable and legendary artists, including the Neville Brothers, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Lloyd Price, Bonnie Raitt and Keith Richards will also provide their personal accounts on what makes the city of New Orleans' spicy gumbo of musical sounds so addictive!

BET and BET Jazz will simulcast the colorful documentary, and both networks plan to air special public service announcements (PSAs) throughout the broadcast to encourage viewers to make donations in support of Hurricane Katrina victims via the MusiCares and Red Cross organizations.

PROGRAM: MAKE IT FUNKY!

NETWORKS: BET and BET Jazz

SCHEDULE: Sunday, September 18 @ 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. ET (Premiere)

ABOUT MUSICARES

The Hurricane Katrina disaster has been devastating, profound and life altering for its victims, their families, friends and the nation. This is the time when we must come together and take care of those who need our help. Therefore, The Recording Academy, the nonprofit organization that is the voice of thousands of music makers nationwide, along with its MusiCares Foundation, which provides a safety net of critical services for music people in crisis, is committing an initial donation of $1 million for music people affected by Hurricane Katrina.

ABOUT BET

BET, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:VIA.B), is the nation's leading television network providing quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs programming for the African-American audience. The BET Network reaches more than 80 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

ABOUT BET JAZZ

The 24 Hour Jazz Channel, a subsidiary of BET and Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:VIA.B), is the principle location for the fulfillment of all jazz interests. The network is the first and only 24-hour television programming service dedicated exclusively to jazz music and culture. BET Jazz features many of the finest names in jazz through in-studio performances, festivals, concert coverage, and celebrity interviews. Many of the shows feature original programming, as well as historic footage, unavailable on any other television network.

CONTACT: Lyntina Townsend of BET (Black Entertainment Television), +1-202-608-2745, lyntina.townsend@bet.net

PRNewswire -- Sept. 14

Source: BET (Black Entertainment Television)

Web site: http://www.bet.com/

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