The Billion Dollar Bet: Robert Johnson and the Inside Story of Black Entertainment Television

by Brett Pulley

Book Overview

Praise for The Billion Dollar BET

"In a gripping narrative that is both inspirational and cautionary, Brett Pulley tells us how Robert Johnson built Black Entertainment Television into a billion-dollar media empire. In a remarkable feat of reporting, without Johnson's cooperation, Pulley shows what it really takes to get ahead in America today, and in doing so provides as valuable a cultural as business history."
--James B. Stewart Pulitzer...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471423637
• ISBN13: 9780471423638
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Robert Johnson's BET Story

I was a sales rep in NYC for WEA, J&J and Cutter Labs, this book put in words that I was too close to see the invisible forest. Reading on and page 222 caught my attention because he paid tribute to the researchers (Diane Jones especially a dear friend) even w/o this tidbit it is a great book and s/b on everyone's Bucket List!

Even-Handed Saga about America's Leading Black Entrepreneur

The fascinating rags-to-riches story of Robert L. Johnson, the U.S.'s first black billionaire, has all the makings of a great novel: personality, determination, opportunity, scandal, backstabbing and tremendous success. Against all odds, this child of a poor, black rural family became a media pioneer and a very wealthy man. A visionary, he started Black Entertainment Television (BET) with $15,000, four employees, and incredible energy and ambition. Judging by the amount of money he made, his success is clear, although biographer Brett Pulley says his track record in social responsibility is muddier. We recommend Pulley's remarkably even-handed, in-depth portrayal of this enigmatic, controversial, often hard-hearted mogul.

A non-fiction book that is accurate and entertaining!!!

After having spent 15 years as a lonely African-American in corporate America, reading non-fiction books about boring business moguls who I couldn't identify with, searching hopelessly for a book which would inspire, inform, and engage me, along came the Billion Dollar BET - at last!!! Brett Pulley does an excellent job of taking a potentially boring, dry subject matter, adds his special author's flair, and creates an entertaining, informative business biography! This human touch invites the reader to not just understand the chronology of Robert Johnson's path to his billions but to also embrace the backstories of the life choices of Bob Johnson. A MUST READ!!

Making It Happen

Brett Pulley pulls together one of the most in depths pieces ever written on a black businessman, not just any black businessman, but the man behind BET. Brett pulls all stops on getting the nitty gritty on BET from the first scandal to Bob Johnson's billion dollar deal with Viacom. Pulley reaches into the black community, along with the media world and close personal friends of Johnson to get the story of a lifetime. This book fits any American who understands what its like to have a dream and sit down and make the plans to achieve this dream to its fullest. The book itself allowed me to look at someone else go through the trial and tribulations of building an idea into a multibillion dollar situation it allows anyone with dreams to see hope.

Needed Inspiration

I am CEO of what I hope to someday be a fortune 500 company. Its very hard to find mentors or people who can identify with the struggles of being a young entrepreneur. This book served as a form of inspiration at a time when it was truly needed. Its hard being a pioneer in an industry predominated by established Giants. Everybody has a opinion of you and you are constantly being scrutinized and held to different standards than your counterparts. Thank You Mr. Pulley for writing this book. It was informative and will help me to keep my eyes on the prize despite adversity. H. Terrell CEO Common Ground USA www.jimmiehatz.com

The Billion Dollar BET : Robert Johnson and the Inside Story

The Billion Dollar BET is a biography that will surely have you reading until the very last page. The author provides a very clear picture of the man Robert Johnson. From the details of his humble beginnings to his educational background and finally into the business world, Brett Pulley provides the recipe of success that led Mr. Johnson to his ultimate goal of being media titan. This book is a must read for all young entrepenuers as it provides several key lessons that must be mastered if one is to dedicate themselves to an emerging business.Finally the book is done is with great respect for Robert Johnson as the author dives into all topics, he choses to note how the personal challenges affected his business performance and business relationships.I am certainly looking forward to Mr. Pulley's next book.