Robert L. "Bob" Johnson (born April 8, 1946) is an American businessman and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), and is also its former chairman and chief executive officer. Johnson is currently chairman and founder of RLJ Development and majority-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, a National Basketball Association franchise along with rapper Nelly and NBA legend Michael Jordan. In 2001 Johnson became the first African American billionaire, and the first black person to be listed on any of Forbes world's rich list. In 2009 Forbes estimated that his net worth declined to $550 million because of the economic recession.