EXHIBIT 99.1

          Robert L. Johnson                Liberty Media Corporation
     2915 Audubon Terrace, N.W.      8101 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 500
         Washington, DC 20018                 Englewood, CO 80111     


                                             September 10, 1997

     Board of Directors
     BET Holdings, Inc.
     One BET Plaza
     1900 W Plaza N.E.
     Washington, D.C. 20018-1211

     Dear Sirs:

               We are hereby making an offer pursuant to which a new
     corporation ("Newco") to be formed by Robert L. Johnson (or a
     corporation, partnership or other entity owned by Mr. Johnson)
     and Liberty Media Corporation ("Liberty") would acquire (the
     "Acquisition") all of the capital stock of BET Holdings, Inc.
     (the "Company") not already owned by them at a price per share of
     $48 in cash.

               Consummation of the proposed transaction would be
     subject to, among other things, the negotiation and execution of
     definitive merger and other agreements and the receipt of
     financing on terms and conditions acceptable to each of us.  Such
     definitive merger and other agreements would provide, among other
     things, that the obligations of the parties to consummate the
     Acquisition will be subject to the satisfaction of a number of
     conditions customarily contained in transactions of this type. 
     In connection with the proposed Acquisition, we have retained
     Salomon Brothers Inc. to provide financial advice and to assist
     us in raising the funds necessary to consummate the Acquisition.

               We and our advisors are prepared to meet with the Board
     or any special committee formed by it to consider our proposal,
     their advisors, and the Company's management and advisors in
     order to answer any questions about our proposal and to present
     definitive merger and other agreements for prompt consideration
     and execution.  We assume that you will want to make a prompt
     announcement of our proposal.  We are, however, of the view that
     it is in the best interest of the Company's shareholders that
     they be made aware of our proposal as promptly as possible, and
     will therefore release this letter publicly shortly after it is
     delivered to you and we will also be making appropriate filings
     to comply with our obligations under the federal securities laws.

               We hope that the Board will give this offer serious
     consideration.  As you can appreciate, with offers of this kind
     time is of the essence.  Accordingly, if you wish to pursue a
     possible transaction, please contact Mr. Johnson as soon as
     possible to discuss these matters further.

                                   Very truly yours,

                                    /s/ Robert L. Johnson
                                   _____________________________
                                   Robert L. Johnson


                                   LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION

                                   By: /s/ Robert R. Bennett
                                      __________________________
                                      Name:  Robert R. Bennett
                                      Title:  President and Chief
                                               Executive Officer