BET exec Nadja Webb adds scripted programming to remit

The Oval

ViacomCBS-owned US cablenet BET has promoted Nadja Webb to EVP of programming business operations, taking oversight of scripted programming on top of her existing duties.

Reporting to BET president Scott Mills, Webb will now lead on the African American-focused network’s scripted content, including development, casting and current for both BET and SVOD service BET+. She takes over the responsibilities from Traci Blackwell, the former EVP of scripted programming, who exited the company last month.

This latest promotion comes just 16 months after Webb was promoted to EVP of programming operations & business and legal affairs for BET. In that role she has responsibility for business and legal affairs as well as overseeing programming operations in support of scripted, unscripted, special and music programming. She will continue with these duties in addition to now leading on scripted.

Ongoing BET scripted originals include Tyler Perry shows, political soap opera The Oval and comedy-drama Sistas, and sports drama Games People Play.

“BET commissions more Black scripted series than any other company — 14 in 2021 alone,” commented Mills in a statement. “Aligning our extremely talented scripted creative executives with Nadja’s great business and operations acumen will allow us to continue to deliver the hit scripted series our audiences love across our platforms.”

“I have had the privilege of partnering with BET’s scripted department for years, and have tremendous appreciation for their creativity, insights and talent relationships,” added Webb. “In this expanded role, I am extremely excited to bring my business and operations expertise to lead the extraordinary work this talented, creative team does.”