MTV Networks to Launch LOGO, A New TV Network for Gay
and
Lesbian Viewers
Gay Cable Network With A Mix Of Original And
Acquired Programming Will Debut Feb.17, 2005
NEW YORK, May 25 (U.S. Newswire) 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 percent movies.
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 http://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.
Other Gay TV Networks include the new HERE-TV on Channel
190 on Direct TV in Dallas, TX. This will be a gay premium
subscription channel. If you are in the Houston area we recommend Q Network.