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Name: too black, too proud

Comment: Sounds like Mr. Karmazin sent his favorite nigger out to the fields to calm us all down. Go shovel that s*&% somewhere else Uncle Bob.

Name: Ronny Harris in Alameda, Northern Cali

Comment: I saw Bob Johnson and I have to say I'm not impressed with the way he handled it. I just don't buy him beiing pissed off at Tavis because he (Tavis) didn't give him first dibbs at an interview that nobody in their right mind would watch on BET. Good grief! But what i really find interesting is that all of a sudden, the first excuse ... low ratings ... is no longer the issue. It's now the Sara jane Olson (or whatever her names ie) issue. Ol' Billion Dollah Bob needs quit. BET SUCKS!!!

Name: cocomama

Comment: last nite was such a joke. the "calls and email" were thoroughly screened. he was very good at repeating his mantra. the tough-guy-business- decision routine was a bit much, plus the comment about him not needing the money but a bad taste in my mouth. i also found it interesting how viewers called him mr. johnson but referred to ms. martin by her first name. this whole situation leaves a very bad taste in my mouth which will probably linger for some time to come.

Name: Winston

Comment: Why we must boycott and therefore shut down Viacom's BET. BET/BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION: END OF AN ERA? http://www.eurweb.com/articles/morenews/03262001/moren ews188203262001.cfm What Do They (Viacom) Really Think of Bob Johnson? Johnson is very rich, he boasts that Bill Gates takes his phone calls, he is a savvy businessperson, a recognized power player in the media world. He is now the second-largest individual stockholder in Viacom - - but did he get a seat on the Viacom board of directors? No. Johnson even says he is a good friend of Viacom CEO Sumner Redstone. So what did Viacom President Mel Karmazin say when asked about this? " . . . there are already 18 board members and there is no more room at the table." What? No more room at the table? So buy a bigger table! Unless there is something going on under the table. Recycling Black Dollars We now have to wonder what happens to our Black dollars if we spend them with advertisers on BET, because the only way this deal makes sense for Viacom is if a lot of Black dollars leave our community and go to straight to Viacom. Let's look at Viacom's track record. Neither CBS, MTV nor UPN has an admirable record of Black programming. Viacom was the company that took "New York Undercover" and "Living Single" off the air - - the two most popular TV shows in the Black community. Not a good sign. So CBS News might be able to feed a segment or two over to BET to boost its news operation - - but has CBS News done great by us in the past? The bottom line is that Viacom does not bring much of quality to the table, and its economic domination of the Black market will prevent others from doing so. Tavis quotes: "All I can say is this: I have no interest in working for anyone---Black or White --- who blatantly disregards and disrespects Black people. Until you see me again, I encourage you to continue to advocate (as we will on this program) for television that honors us, not whores us; television that entertains and empowers us; television that informs and uplifts us." http://www.eurweb.com/articles/headlines/03272001/head lines190103272001.cfm Control. I suspect that's why Booker T. Washington said that at the bottom of all of our struggle must be the struggle for economic independence. Washington understood even then that the real Golden Rule is simply this: he who has the gold makes the rule. And so the staple of Black progress must be economic independence. When we surrender it, we surrender control. The control we need to enlighten, encourage and empower Black people. http://www.blackvoices.com/tavistalks/tavis_bet032201. html

Name: deep south

Comment: Even if the decision to fire TS was made by Johnson, at some point the father (Viacom) needs to tell the uncle (JOhnson) when to back off, that the father does not need the uncle to run his house. Especially when he is driving the whole family (Us)off!

Name: Miss ET

Comment: Bob Johnson is like Larry Tate. You know the white-haired "yes-man" on "Bewitched". He is just a BLACK "yes-man" who doesn't have the guts to stand up for his on people. The people who made him. Maybe he's related to O. J. Simpson in that they turn to the Blacks when their butts are in a bind. Then when they get on top, they forget their "roots"

Name: Danny

Comment: I am completely disgusted with Bob Thomas comments concerning Tavis Smiley. I have been a devoted BET watchers since the early 1980's. Tavis was a ray of light on this bleak, weak, all video so called programming you have offered to the masses. A bunch of video shows and reruns are all you have to offer the black community. Let's not talk about Sunday's. Infomercials?! You must be kidding me! Out of all the good black shows that were getting cancelled off of these cheesy ass white stations, you couldn't pick up one? Then the biggest bitch move you could have made, you sold the only black station to a white company! Where is "YOUR" dedication to the black community? Where is the same dedication we gave you? Just go off the air!!!

Name: Just a thought.

Comment: I listened to reason's given by Robert Johnson about terminating Tavis's Contract and thought it was the worst excus ever given. I actually do not like Tavis's show that much but give the man the respect he deserves. Tavis has been a good spokesman for BET giving it some creditably in the world of broadcast news and reports. Tavis is outspoken but any person in the public eye has to be. Did Tavis break his contract? According to Robert Johnson no he did not. Would it have been nice to have an exclusive interview on BET yes. But Tavis was under no obligation to bring the interview to BET. He did what any other person would of done. Taken his product (the interview) to a company that would best profit (give the highest visibility) Olson, his crew and himself. He did nothing wrong or immoral. The actions of BET look like a little child getting made because someone else got a new bike and won't let them ride it. Maybe Robert Johnson does have good reason for letting Tavis go, but his statements in response to the question of "Why was Tavis's contract terminated" so far have been pathetic. If you are not going to give a clear answer just say "Due to conflicts in business interest we have decided to let Tavis free of his contract."

Name: James

Comment: I agree with Cocomama. Last night's show was nothing more than a well orchestrated, rehearsed, screened interview in which Mr. Johnson and his loyal (scared) staff had complete control over. How PATHETIC! Do he really think he has “mind” control over the African-American community?

Name: Rodney Dial

Comment: I am some what upset first of all that BET was sold to a white company. BET is the only Black owned telivision company in the United States. Secondly, we have two Black males who are having differences in the media where white people are all in their business. This makes Black folk look like we can't settle our problems. I also feel that the company should have been brought by other Black folk instead of a white establishment. Now white folk have the ability to put out what they want to put out on or about Black people once again. I understand that Mr. Johnson has other business ventures and I can't diss him on that but, BET should have been kept in the ownership of Black folk.

Name: Red Hayes

Comment: Although very talented Tavis Smiley did NOT (make) and is NOT Mr. BET. His arrogance and oftentimes,mistreatment, disrespect and attempted belittlement of the show's invited guests is one of the reasons I personally do not care for him as a journalist. His firing was inevitable. To comment that Mr Johnson was upset because Smiley sold an interview to a white network is just another example of his ignorance. He needs to get over it and so does the rest of Black America.

Name: Rudy Johnson

Comment: "No lie shall live forever" It didn't take a week for the network of lies to come tumbling down. Thank you Bob Johnson for producing a not particularly well orchestrated question & answering session last night. After three tries of explaining why Mr Tavis Smiley was fired, you finally settled on the old "I'm in charge and the buck stops here" cliche'. Obviously, you missed the first lesson in public speaking: Get your facts straight and know your audience! Even your hostess appeared nervous and frighten. Lord knows what would have happen to her had she asked a penetrating question. You are right, the music videos are your bread and butter; however, sooner or later the bread will spoil and the butter will melt. Your music videos might attract the your audience, but, you may have miscalculated on one thing. We, the adults in the house, pay the cable bills! As of this week, I will disconnect BET and MTV in my house hold. Once BET (Viacom) has improved its programing, I will exercise my option to reconnect with the network. Mr. Johnson, remember that "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

Name: not fooled

Comment: This whole situation is quite interesting. First, I'm glad Mr. Smiley has other options and the confidence in himself to move on. I live in Baltimore and this morning on the way to work, I listened to comments from Mr. Johnson on WKYS 93.9 in Washingto, DC with Russ Parr and Olivia Fox. I find it very interesting that Mr. Johnson honestly believes he still runs BET. When asked by Ms. Fox if his concern was the interest of the public or money. Mr. Johnson made a statement (which I can't quote verbatim) but pretty much acknowledged that his primary concern was that of the "shareholders" of BET, which when translated means "I've got bigger honchos to answer to than yall." Mr. Johnson's 1-hour public dismissal of Tavis Smiley was a sad attempt to prove that he still has the "power" at BET. It was evidenced in his constantly pointing to the "supposed fact" that the president of Viacom had "absolutely" nothing to do with "his" decision to fire Tavis Smiley. Please! Mr. Johnson chooses to believe that we are that stupid. He sold his shark to a whale and he's still trying to act like the "bigger" fish. Mr. Johnson had it right the first time. He fired Smiley because he's got to answer to the "shareholders" or in other words, the president of Viacom.

Name: Mary Gentry

Comment: " To Mr. Johnson " in the words our Republican Party during the election confusion - God Bless America-

Name: Pamela Glaspie

Comment: Well massa johnson; I really felt sorry for you on last evening sitting with your fingers pressed so tightly together as though you were engaging in isometrics of some kind, but your brothers and sisters saw your hands SHAKING. It amazes me how you were able to brag about being the second highest stock holder in Viacom but when it came for the selection of board members, you're MISSING IN ACTION! Do not think for one minute that Black America was fooled in the least bit by your sad performance. (talking about that well rehearsed script) It was clear that your daddy (mel karmazin) felt the pressure from "INFORMED BLACKS" via emails, phone calls and faxes so much so that he began to revamp them into cyber space some damn where. massa johnson I have a question, what does the capture of a 30 yr white female fugative of the sla have to do with anything as it pertains to BET. Don't you think that BET would have better been served airing the Symposium on the State of Black America? oh, my bad your daddy (mel karmazin) would not permit the airng right? But YOU ARE RUNNING THANGS? Yea right! Thank you for pulling the plug on BET in my home forever! ps just in case you don't know massa johnson, the run can be pulled out from under you RICH MAN!

Name: Jesse Davis

Comment: I am sure that Tavis will move on to another network and do well. He might should consider campaining for office. Whatever option he chooses, I am confident that he will do well. I am also sure that he will learn from this experience. It seems that Robert Johnson wanted to be consulted on the big deal with Olson. Tavis points out correctly that he did not have to legally consult. However, as we look at the tenure TAvis has had a BET and the media decisions he made, it is simply time to move forward without bitterness. Agree to Disagree and move on!

Name: Kevin E. Grant

Comment: I think Tavis was on point with his comments. It wasn't in his contract to offer BET anything. Bob Johnson says, that one interview was the straw that broke the camels back. What kind of boss is that! He's gonna state that because of there 5 year relationship Tavis should have offered it to BET first. But then fire him over this one incident in there five year relationship! Wow! Oh and Tavis pointing out the fact that he was fired over selling one interview of a white woman to a white network. When the owner sold the WHOLE network to a white corporation. Pure genius!!! Give him hell Tavis!!!

Name: Clarissa, CA

Comment: I have read the comments of both Mr. Johnson and Mr. Smiley, as well as the comments of the "Black Community" at large. I am disappointed also at the firing of Tavis Smiley, but not surprised. I am of the same opinion of Yemi Toure, Editor,HYPE, whose article you (EUR)re-published yesterday. My challege to my Black people is: Will we stay MAD enough to effect a change? Not only in the media (BET), even though that's a start, but everywhere you as a Black person is disrespected. We don't have to be financially rich to force an economically positive change. Meaning it's great that the Steve Harvey's, Magic Johnson's, and Danny Glover's of the Black community can make such a positive impact on our community, but if "we" collectively and/or independently make necessary changes in where our MONEY and TIME are spent, we can possibly prevent this kind of dismissal of Mr. Smiley and our voice again. Economic Freedom: Black Folks Last Frontier. That's the topic that the NAACP, Jesse Jackson, Tavis Smiley and a host of other well-informed individuals and groups have been talking about. I don't know if "WE" will get there (that last frontier), but I do know it should be a goal for each of us and collectively. So, I offer up some suggestions that the individual (you and I) can do to make a start. 1) Boycott watching BET. 2) Open a Bank Account with a Black owned bank. 3) Support Black-Owned businesses. 4) Join an organization that you feel fight for "Black causes". Then participate. -I'm sure there are many more ways to enact change, just turn your ANGER into ACTION. I'm sure Tavis will be Smiling.

Name: D. Sistrunk/Irving

Comment: Sounds like Billon Dollar Bob is a little Uncle Tomish to me.

Name: John Griffin

Comment: If anyone is upset about Tavis' termination and want to respond then the simple act of NOT watching BET anymore would give his former employer significant grief. I do not plan to watch BET anymore not because of Tavis' termination, but because of the lame excuse Bob Johnson gave.

Name: Judy Charmin

Comment: "Here you go massa Mel, I got that interview you wanted, is ya gonna pay me that Billion now for my whole Plantation". That's exactly what this whole sh@!# is about. Bob Johnson wanted to please Mel K. with getting CBS that interview first, in exchange to really sell B.E.T. for the largest amount he can get, because he has stock in it you know.....

Name: Neil

Comment: To keep it short, BET and any Viacom related programmimng,your off every televsion in my home as soon as I can contact a cable representative.

Name: Evelyn Rogers

Comment: Mr. Smiley, I agree with wholeheartedly. Mr. Johnson has no moral conscience. I thought your show was very informative. He needs to think about what he lost.. a great host who lets you know exactly what the real deal is. I think Mr. Smiley was really fired for his outspokenness. We African-Americans will miss his forthrightness.

Name: Henry

Comment: Outside of The Tavis Smiley Show, I've often found a blank screen more entertaining than BET's other programming.

Name: Texas

Comment: Speaking of ignorance--Red Hayes', your comments show yours loud and clear. Maybe next time you should make sure you understand the facts, BOB JOHNSON is SAYING that he fired Tavis because he sold the interview to ABC; not the other way around. It's usually a good idea to accuse someone else of being ignorant while not showing yours. Perhaps the next time you comment on something, it will be meaningful; doubtful. Let's face it--this is just the tip of the iceberg for the demise of "our" beloved BET because Uncle Bob has turned his back on all of us. Why else would he have sold BET to Viacom? No longer will it be Black Entertainment Television, but rather Black Entertainment Television from the white perspective. If you've never been black, you can never fully and truly appreciate what it means to be a black person in the "United" States. It's always sad to see black people turn against each other, but it always happens when you allow whitey to call the shots!

Name: Bobbie

Comment: There are times when we as blacks have to take action especially when our rights to be informed and heard are threatened. The dismissal of Tavis is only the beginning of an attempt to silence black people. It is necessary that we continue to be infomed whether we agree or disagree with the subject, it is our right to have choices. As of April 1, 2001, along with several of my associates, we will terminate our cable subscribtion. It is unfortunate that I have been willing to pay $40.00 per month to only view C-Span, Tavis on BET, the Discover Channel and sometimes the Home Improvement channel. I refuse to to do that anymore unless someone recognizes my right to choose. Let us not become the "Spook that sat by the door" or the "Invisible Man" as they expect us to. Although it may be inconvenient and an imposition to some people, including wage earners for cable. This will be a statement that needs to be heard. This is not just about Tavis, it's about me and my children and their children who's voice and awareness has been limited to what the people in charge will allow. It is not fair, It is not equal.

Name: Marcel, Cleveland

Comment: My comment is: All of a sudden here is Bob Johnson in the headlines! Why don't he put all this energy into better programming at BET!! No one hardly watches BET and he's upset about Mr. Smiley reporting at another network. Good Grief, man! I think Viacom put that pressure on him to fire Mr. Smiley and it probably goes deeper than that. The public not all the time knows the WHOLE story!!! Thanks

Name: D J

Comment: It's ashame!! Mel Karmazin does it again. The only person that makes huge decision like the Tavis situation is Mel. We are once again left with no voice in the brodcasting industry and would just like to ask Mr. Johnson, Why?

Name: Theodore R. (Ted) Miro

Comment: Perhaps I shouldn't respond to this notice, which is apparently slanted against Bob Johnson and tilted toward Tavis Smiley. To digress, and the truth be told, I don't care to know all about the drama. It further highlights a couple of our significant failings as a people. We react emotionally to circumstances that clearly we have no influence over and we attempt failingly to reverse business decisions using wolf tickets and rhetoric. The facts are this (right or wrong these are the facts): 1)Bob Johnson, first and foremost is a business man, who is competing for capital and resources in an arena only a handful of his BET TV viewers have experienced - and unfortunate to say - understand. 2) Let's put the BS aside, his real reason for firing Tavis, I doubt will ever come to the light. Mr. Johnson will site he did it for business reasons. Let's face facts again, the man is in business to deliver a product or service and the objective is to maximize profits and minimize costs. Otherwise he won't survive. I ask the list of corresponsers: Who among us are challenged with the day-to-day dilemmas of business decisions that is on his plate; key among the list is meeting a payroll???! We again will waste our time. Protesting and e-mailing and name-calling are incidentals along the timeline of a business deal. At the end of the cycle, BJ profits and the protesters lose. Why? They chose to fight their adversary using powerless means of combat: Words not deeds! I can't stand the NY Post. I find it a despicable paper that blatantly depict African-Ancestrals as the perpetrators of the evils that exist in NYC, in this USA and in this World. I simply refuse to buy the damn paper. I ask my brothers and sisters to do likewise and not pay for it. Often times are they agree with me in principle but they don't do as I do. Instead, they plop their $$ down to buy the paper. As a consequence The Post is further empowered to disrespect us. If you don't like what BJ is doing, don't watch BET; and convince others to do likewise. This. I submit will simplify your life. What we do as a people boggles my mind: If you find that you are constantly disrespected, abused and oppressed, then you must be cooperating with the source.

Name: "Black is back by Universal Demand "Kemit" Man

Comment: Sambo Bob had to quickly defend his reaction on his mas'ser Karmazin anger,("Bob,ya gotta do sumthin bout that boy speakin with tha competiton we can't have that now can I Sam Bob, No sir:I git right onit Boss!) Tavis is doin his own thang,expand your horizons my brother Mr. Smilely Keep yo head Up! Skies the limit. Peace.....keep it real.....

Name: S. Walker

Comment: This sounds like a tit for tat. Mr. Johnson told the public more or less that because Tavis did not offer an exclusive interview with Olson, he had to go!!! Mr. Johnson, What message was going to be given to the Africian American viewers by Olson? You must have had a lot to gain personally? I think it's says a lot about Mr. Johnson who has worked with Tavis for five years and could only give that ridiculous reason as an excuse.

Name: ButchSylvia

Comment: It is truly sad that Robert Johnson sold out to a white company. What happened to Tavis is the first of many to come from BET. Robert Johnson this was truly a huge mistake on your part. Majority of the shows that are on BET are ignorant. So what is the next step for "us?" Mine will be to cancel BET from my cable service.

Name: Pierre W.

Comment: Because I do not have all the facts, and more than likely will never have all the facts, I will refrain from commenting on the reason given by Robert Johnson for the termination of Tavis Smiley albeit a highly suspect reason. However, I will make this comment, BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley has never been the best it could be. Get real people!!! I would venture to say that more than half the issues and interviews discussed on BET Tonight were ones relating to the field of entertainment (the news portion of the show of course was better at focusing on issues important to the African-American community). Black people, we are more than just entertainers and atheletes and, if anything, Johnson should have been looking at revamping the whole station to offer more substantive programming rather than offering the same old "bread and butter" programs. If the reason for his decision to terminate Tavis was truly that of a savy business man, then why doesn't he make other obviously needed business decisions regarding the station and its programming (I can think of a few right off the top of my head). I say all that to say, Tavis Smiley is a great talent (although I can hardly understand him sometimes) and will no doubt land on his feet but BET and whoever is in control now need to be held accountable to the African-American community which is its "bread and butter", that means looking seriously at offering more than just music videos, music video shows, reruns of music video shows, Comic View, entertainment shows, infomercials, etc. It may have started out as Black ENTERTAINMENT Television but there is nothing to say it can't evolve into something more.

Name: Hecqui

Comment: To Too Black, Too Proud - Too Black? Is that possible? Too Proud? I think not... A Black man that uses that word, yeah, you know the one, has no respect for himself or his people and their history! And don't give me that crap that it was used in the right context. There is no proper context for that filhty word to be used, with an 'a' or an 'r'. Come correct or don't come at all!

Name: Ty Mac

Comment: Bet was a worthless channel and Tavis Smiley was one of the only bright spots! Buster Johnson is one of many examples of how us Blacks don't recycle decades of business ventures back into our community! Buster Johnson should go home and enjoy his billions and let BET become what whites really want: WET!

Name: Charles Kirkland

Comment: "I got mine, you get yours". Enjoy your money Bob. Beyond, Tavis's show BET had no substance. You can count 1 cancellation from this Brother.

Name: interesting

Comment: Tavis will continue to shine, using a different vechicle of course.... To be honest, BET just lost a valuable asset and its veiwership will never be the same again. Tavis' show was the only show on there that had depth! Its funny how all the talented people who got there start on BET seen to have left and made a real name for themselves elsewhere.... Tavis, ANANDA and a few others.

Name: Yes, Black & Proud

Comment: From a proud black woman who has respect for herself,her people and her history. African-Americans have used the word nigga among themselves as a term of affection for over three hundred years. When used in an affectionate context or for illustrative purposes, the word is not filty nor offensive. I encourage all african-americans to boycott BET. Please let viacom know that we cannot be bought.

Name: MR BLACK BAG

Comment: I thought slavery was over but I see that it still lives in america the house @&**$% is still out there doing the masters job on the feild @&**$% so Bob just tell us the truth you did not fire TS you are just taking the fall for you master. Besides that's what good boys do real black men don't bow down to whites.

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