Paramount’s Black culture channel BET UK is stepping away from original domestic commissions, with executive Cicelia Deane exiting after five years.
Deane, who joined the channel in 2021 in the newly-created position of editorial and commissioning executive, said on LinkedIn that her time in the role “has come to an end”.
In her time with the broadcaster, she ordered shows from diverse-led British indies including Big Deal Films (Mission Motherland [pictured] and Iconic Albums), Afro Mic (Our Big Day and Big Money Munch), Gold Wala (Garms) and Cardiff Productions (Moments That Shaped Queer Black Britain).
BET is understood to be focusing on global content, with the final original UK orders, including Fan Studios' Darcus Beese: In His Own Words, sitting alongside some previous commissions on 5’s streaming platform and BET’s international YouTube channel.
Prior to BET UK, Deane was a producer, working on shows such as BBC3’s The Rap Game UK, BBC1’s Sort Out Your Life in 7 Days and Channel 4’s Grand Designs.
In her post, Deane wrote: “I’ve had the privilege of commissioning and delivering premium UK originals with international reach, working closely with exceptional production companies, creatives and on-screen talent to bring ambitious ideas to life.
“Together, we’ve delivered award-winning and nominated work, built strong creative partnerships, and developed shows that genuinely resonated with audiences. This is legacy work, shining a spotlight on the richness of Black culture and I’m incredibly proud of it.”
