Robert L. Johnson
- Born:
- April 8, 1946, Hickory, Mississippi, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Entrepreneur, Media Executive, Investor, Philanthropist
Early Life and Education
- Johnson grew up in Freeport, Illinois, as one of ten siblings.
- He earned a B.A. in Social Studies from the University of Illinois in 1968.
- He received a Master's degree in Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University in 1972.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career in public affairs, working for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
- Worked as a lobbyist for the cable television industry.
- In 1980, founded Black Entertainment Television (BET), the first television network aimed at African-American audiences.
- Served as CEO of BET until 2006, overseeing its growth into a major media conglomerate.
- In 2001, BET was sold to Viacom for approximately $3 billion, making Johnson the first African-American billionaire.
- Founded RLJ Companies, a holding company with investments in various sectors including hospitality, real estate, and private equity.
- Invested in numerous businesses and initiatives aimed at supporting African-American entrepreneurs.
- The existence of works such as 'robert l johnson biography bette' indicates ongoing interest in his impactful career.
Notable Works
- Founder and former CEO of Black Entertainment Television (BET).
- Chairman of RLJ Companies.
- Owner of the Charlotte Bobcats (now Charlotte Hornets) NBA team from 2003 to 2010.
Legacy and Impact
Robert L. Johnson is recognized as a pioneering media entrepreneur who created the first Black-owned television network, significantly impacting the representation of African-Americans in media and business. His ventures have influenced the landscape of entertainment and entrepreneurship for the Black community.