BET network puts its money on awards show

It’s older than CNN, MTV, Lifetime or A&E, and has been entrenched for decades on the country’s major cable systems.

But in more than 24 years on the air, BET (Black Entertainment Television) has yet to produce a notable first-run scripted comedy or drama series, instead banking heavily on a cost-cutting menu of music videos, stand-up comedy shows, broadcast network reruns, well-worn feature films and infomercials.

The BET Awards, which airs tonight for the fourth year, is an attempt to put the network on the prime-time map at least once annually.

Hosted by “Parkers” star Mo’Nique, the live, three-hour show (5 p.m. on Comcast cable channel 56 in Spokane) is being touted by BET as a “star power-infused ‘black-out.’ “

OutKast, Usher and Janet Jackson are among those scheduled to perform. Actor Danny Glover will receive the show’s Humanitarian Award, and The Isley Brothers are being honored for career achievement.

Winners in 14 other categories will be announced live, with OutKast, Beyonce, Usher, Ruben Studdard, Lil Jon and Kanye West among those with multiple nominations.

The “Male Athlete of the Year” category features an intriguing quintet of rookies LeBron James and Carmello Anthony and veterans Barry Bonds, Tiger Woods and Shaquille O’Neal (who for once won’t have to contend with Kobe Bryant).