IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — December 18, 2025: The 3rd Annual HBCU Honors Presented by BET continued its rise as one of the network’s most culturally resonant specials, delivering strong year-over-year growth among young adult viewers and generating significant digital, social, and earned media visibility.
Returning Thanksgiving weekend and hosted by Emmy-nominated actress and Fisk alumna Kym Whitley, the one-hour telecast reached nearly 800K viewers across BET and BET Her during premiere week. HBCU Honors delivered double and triple-digit percentage increases among young viewers year over year, including M18–34, W18–24 and P18–34.*
This year’s campaign produced an estimated 8.4 million digital impressions and nearly 24 million verified coverage views across a 5.8 billion earned-media footprint**, underscoring the show’s expanding cultural relevance and advertiser appeal.
AutumnJoi - AutumJoi Live Host, Radio Personality, and Media Room Host; Getty Images
Across digital platforms, HBCU Honors achieved its strongest performance to date. High-impact cultural moments—particularly tributes to honorees—fueled reach and engagement, generating 3.9 million confirmed views and more than 237,000 interactions. Extensive creator, partner, and media-driven storytelling amplified visibility across the weekend, reaffirming the show’s ability to spark national conversation and sustain momentum well beyond the broadcast.
An expanded long-form edition of the 2025 HBCU Honors—featuring full performances and speeches—is available now on the HBCU Honors YouTube Channel. Additional content, interviews, and Rising Star features will also be available at HBCUHonors.org as part of the extended digital rollout. Viewers can also catch the show on BET.com, with additional encores on BET; check listings for air date and time.
*Source: Nielsen (Big Data + Panel), Live+3, 1-minute qualifier | All HBCU Honors 2025 airings across BET & BETHer (11/30/25–12/2/25) vs. YAGO HBCU Honors 2024 airings. All other ratings stats: Panel-only, Live+SD Further qualifications available upon request.
