Robert L. “Bob” Johnson is a pioneering media entrepreneur and philanthropist best known as the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), the first cable network dedicated to African American audiences. Born in 1946 in Hickory, Mississippi, and raised in Freeport, Illinois, Johnson earned degrees from the University of Illinois and Princeton University before launching a career in public affairs and cable television. In 1980, he founded BET, which grew from a two-hour weekly broadcast into a cultural cornerstone reaching millions of households. In 1991, BET became the first Black-owned company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and its 2001 sale to Viacom made Johnson the first African American billionaire.

Beyond BET, Johnson has left an indelible mark across industries. He founded The RLJ Companies, a business network spanning hospitality, finance, media, and gaming. He also became the first Black majority owner of a major U.S. sports franchise with the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats. His ventures have consistently opened doors for underrepresented communities, and his philanthropic efforts include initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, and international development, notably in Liberia.

This bronze bust, sculpted by Richard Becker and commissioned by the Television Academy to honor Johnson’s induction into its Hall of Fame, commemorates his legacy. It is slightly larger than life, and stands as a tribute to a man who reshaped the media landscape and championed representation with boldness, brilliance, and enduring influence.