After 106 & Park’s Ratings Decline, BET Officially Hires Angela Simmons as Host (Update)

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

As quiet as it’s been kept, BET has been struggling in ratings. Not only did the network’s top show “The Game” begin to drop in ratings, but the network’s long running popular music video show “106 & Park” also began to struggle something serious when Bow Wow and other not so famous hosts were named as the show’s new on screen talent. The network reportedly got so desperate to save the show that they encouraged Bow Wow to even have a fake beef with his close friend Soulja Boy on Twitter, but after the fake beef failed to increase ratings, BET then decided to retain Bow Wow but give the other three hosts Miss Mykie, Paigion, and Shorty da Prince the axe.

Angela Simmons and other celebrities began to make hosting appearances, but according to insiders the network was really just trying to see who viewers would take a liking to so they could replace the fired hosts. According to the numbers, Angela Simmons quickly became a fan favorite, especially since viewers were excited to see her interaction with her ex boyfriend Bow Wow.

After weeks of speculation, Bow Wow took to his Twitter account to confirm that Angela Simmons has been hired to replace the other hosts, as if her stint at the BET Awards wasn’t a strong indication enough:

Angela will return next week as an official host.

While we have to congratulate Angela on her new gig (she also has her very own fashion line in the works), we want to know if you think this was a smart move on BET’s end? Can Angela and Bow Wow alone save the show’s declining ratings? Speak on it in the comment section below.

Update: Apparently Bow Wow’s tweet was only partially true. Angela Simmons will be a co-host with Bow Wow for the remainder of the summer. It’s not permanent…yet. The network is sending out this statement to all the blogs to clear up the confusion (even though we’re still confused):

106 & PARK” is undergoing exciting changes. Angela Simmons will continue to guest host until the end of the summer. Bow Wow aka “Mr. 106 & Park” will continue as the lead host; Miss. Mykie, Paigion and Shorty Da Prince will no longer remain on the show. BET Networks is happy to have worked with these bright, young stars and will continue to support them and their upcoming endeavors.

Honestly, it sounds like from the statement released, BET is still trying to do a test run with Angela. But we fully expect her to nab the job permanently regardless. Especially since BET insiders are claiming viewers seem to like the chemistry she has with Bow Wow based off ratings and social media findings.