BET finds Fox Searchlight exec

Viacom’s BET Networks has hired a veteran production exec from film producer and distributor Fox Searchlight to oversee its slate of original programming.

Zola Mashariki joins after 15
years at Fox Searchlight

Zola Mashariki, who has spent the past 15 years at Fox Searchlight, is joining BET as executive VP and head of original programming, including scripted and unscripted content, according to US reports.

Based in LA, Mashariki will report to Stephen Hill, who saw his role at BET expanded at the end of last year to include responsibility for all original content at the US cablenet.

This followed the departure of Loretha Jones, BET’s president of original programming, in September 2014.

BET’s original shows include scripted comedy Real Husbands of Hollywood, starring Kevin Hart, and drama series Being Mary Jane.