Posted on 01/06/2005 8:34:29 AM PST by Aquinasfan
New York, N.Y. (May 25, 2004)— LOGO, a new cable television network targeted at lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) viewers will be launched by MTV Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIAB) on February 17, 2005. The new channel will be advertiser-supported, targeting primarily gays and lesbians, 25-49, and will provide a mix of original and acquired programming that is authentic, smart, inclusive and open-minded.
LOGO will launch in markets across America, including Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and San Francisco, through national cable operators, including Time Warner Cable, RCN and additional distributors that will be announced in the coming weeks. LOGO joins Viacom’s roster of popular and highly-targeted cable networks which includes MTV, Comedy Central, BET and Spike TV.
“Creating a network specifically for the LGBT community is something we’ve wanted to do for a long, long time, and it’s an idea we feel is overdue,” said Tom Freston, Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks. “Despite our nation’s progress on civil rights and the growing visibility of gay people in business, society and even in television programming – what has been missing is a full-time home for this important and influential audience on television. We have big plans and hopes for LOGO and I’m thrilled to finally announce its arrival.”
Market researchers estimate the gay and lesbian population at 15 million adults, with a projected buying power of $485 billion (according to MarketResearch.com) and it is increasingly the target for many Fortune 500 companies.
“LOGO is all about identity: the individual and collective identities present in the gay and lesbian community that are amazingly diverse, but are joined by similar points of view and sensibilities,” said Judy McGrath, president of the MTV Networks Music and Comedy Group. “MTV Networks has a great history of connecting deeply with its audiences and it’s our great hope that gay and lesbian audiences will connect with LOGO like viewers connect with our other strong brands.”
LOGO will offer advertising and sponsorship opportunities beyond the traditional 30 second commercial spot. Key advertisers will be able to integrate their marketing messages into LOGO’s programming in unique ways, including product placement, editorial segments within programs involving their brand, online integration, development of contests and sweepstakes as well as take advantage of off-channel marketing opportunities.
For its initial launch phase, LOGO will have a mix of original and acquired programming. LOGO is already reaching out to some of the most talented and creative producers and writers to develop original series and specials. In addition, original content will be developed in collaboration with other Viacom networks, including Showtime, CBS News, VH1, MTV, Comedy Central and TV Land and will draw from its expertise in every area including entertainment, documentaries and news.
Additionally, deals are in place to acquire over 100 movie titles from a wide range of studios including, Sony, MGM, Paramount, Warner Bros., New Line, Showtime, Lions Gate, Sundance, Strand Releasing, and Sneak Preview Entertainment.
As a complement to the new digital basic channel, LOGO will offer a subscriber video on-demand service (SVOD). The SVOD service will offer approximately 70% movies.
About Viacom
Viacom is a leading global media company, with preeminent positions in broadcast and cable television, radio, outdoor advertising, and online. With programming that appeals to audiences in every demographic category across virtually all media, the company is a leader in the creation, promotion, and distribution of entertainment, news, sports, music, and comedy. Viacom’s well-known brands include CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, VH1, BET, Paramount Pictures, Infinity Broadcasting, Viacom Outdoor, UPN, TV Land, Comedy Central, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, Showtime, Blockbuster, and Simon & Schuster. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at www.viacom.com.
MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VHI, MTVU, NICKELODEON/NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, MTV INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
(s)Thas because there are more homosexuals than golfers.(/s)
This is going to be advertiser supported. Anyone who buys or uses those advertisers will have their customers humiliated with "i did not know you are a homosexual".
Tongue in Groove: Woodworking Joinery
NAMBLA Report: News and Events
Celebrity Mud Wrestling: featuring Ellen and Rosie, alternates with George Michael and Elton John.
Stool Pushers: a take off on Cheers!
Music to Bend Over To: Cutting edge music videos, hosted by Boy George
Madonna Hour: Sex ed from the Queen of Sex... for the kiddies (airs at 4 PM EST)
I See a Rainbow: Gay cartoons... more for the kiddies.
Queer Eye for the Queer Guy: Makeover show
My Life as a Carpet Muncher: stories hosted by Melissa Etheridge
Mark my words, it'll flop and then become part of Basic Cable... just like BET so nearly everyone with cable will be forced to subsidize it.
We need to draw a line, homosexual based programing should be required to be encoded with an "H" warning.
reasonable.
The V chip would then be able to block those shows as any others with a V for violence, N for Nudity, SC for sexual content.
Actally ALL shows with homosexuals should have the SC for sexual content in addition to an H for homosexual content.
ahh BET the black racist channel...
Don't worry. It will be out of business in about a week.
"LOGO, a new cable television network targeted at lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) viewers will be launched by MTV Networks, a division of Viacom Inc."
Ooooooohhhhhh. FABULOUSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!
They will tap into NEA tax grants.
Pehaps this can be used to renew the push for ala cart channel selection.
If ALL providers have this sex fetish perversion channel on BASIC there is no consumer choice.
"Do you like gladiator movies, Timmy?"
We get broadband through our cable line which also lets us use Vonage for phone service which saves us about $50/mo. on our phone bill. That and EWTN make it worth it. Plus we enjoy Fox, TCM, AMC, HGTV, some cartoons, etc. But you have to be very careful about what gets through.
I forgot about EWTN. I miss Fr. Groeschel. Is he back on the air yet?
The BRAVO channel isn't enough?
Valentine's day is the 14th ;-)
Yes. Sadly, he looks like a shell of his former self, although his mind is still there. My favorites are Fr. Corapi, Fr. Rutler, Mother Angelica, Bishop Sheen and the Chesterton series.
One of the most gratifying and consoling things to me as a parent is the fact that my 6 and 9 year old girls actually look forward to and demand that I turn on EWTN on Saturday mornings when EWTN airs childrens' programming.
Yes, children really have spiritual lives, God bless 'em.
MTV "inc" will make the providers carry it because in order to get all the MTV channels (VH1, Nickelodeon, etc) you will be required to buy the homo-channel.
Don't be surprised if they put it smack in the middle of the children's channels.
I must have blocked that already...
Valentine's day is the 14th ;-)
Nevermind... That could have cost me 8-)
Wonder what their on-sceen logo (no pun intended) will be?
Check this out. Coming soon (Feb 17) to Time Warner Digital Basic Cable.
Something for you.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.