BET Holdings Inc. Appoints Dwight Crawford as New Chief Financial Officer; Former Discovery Communications Executive to Join BET.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 3, 1998--Debra L. Lee, President and COO of BET Holdings Inc., announced the appointment of Dwight W. Crawford as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of BET Holdings Inc.

As executive vice president and chief financial officer, Crawford will be responsible for overseeing corporate finances, including financial operations and reporting of BET Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries including Black Entertainment Television (BET), three additional cable networks; magazines and book publishing; restaurants; retail clothing and an interactive website.

"Dwight's extensive background and understanding of cable television, banking and financial services will enhance our strategic ability to grow the business while strengthening our internal processes. We are very pleased to welcome an executive with Dwight's talent and experience to BET's senior team," said Debra L. Lee, President and COO of BET Holdings Inc.

"I am looking forward to joining this dynamic and growing media company," said Dwight W. Crawford, newly appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of BET Holdings Inc. "BET is a brand name that I am very familiar with and hold in high regard."

With over 10 years experience in financial management and accounting, Crawford has provided his expertise to numerous Top 10 companies. Prior to joining BET, Crawford was senior vice president and treasurer at Discovery Communications Inc. Since 1996, he has been responsible for corporate treasury matters including domestic and international cash forecasting, bank relationships and corporate finances. He met DCI's capital requirements and was able to successfully negotiate and restructure its credit facility along with supervising the Director of Tax Planning and the Director of Tax Compliance. Crawford also provided guidance for tax planning for mergers and acquisitions. His special strength in corporate financing was recognized by BET.

In 1989, he served as a tax advisor to the Mobil Corporation, where he provided tax consultation to domestic and international operating divisions. Prior to Mobil, he provided tax consultation for Deloitte & Touche LLP and Arthur Andersen & Co.

Crawford is a member of many notable organizations. He serves on the advisory board of The Salvation Army; treasurer and volunteer of the Bread for the City and Zacchaeus Free Clinic; the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and the Treasury Management Association.

Crawford is a certified public accountant and a graduate of Ohio State University.

BET Holdings Inc. is a multi-media entertainment company which owns and operates Black Entertainment Television (BET), the first national cable network targeted toward African American consumers. BET is currently available in 55 million cable households nationwide, according to Nielsen media research.