Logo TV
| File:LOGO hi.jpg | |
| Type | Cable television channel (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transexual) |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Availability | National |
| Owner | MTV Networks (Viacom) |
Key people | Brian Graden - President, LOGO |
Launch date | June 30, 2005 |
Former names | None |
Official website | http://www.logoonline.com |
Logo is a U.S. digital cable television channel owned by Viacom's MTV Networks division. Targeting programming aimed at the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, it launched on June 30, 2005. The advertiser supported channel struck carriage deals prior to its launch date with DirecTV, Charter Communications, Adelphia, Cablevision, Time Warner Cable of New York City, and RCN. A deal with Comcast was reached after the launch date. Logo was available in an estimated 18 million homes as of September, 2005. Logo has partnered with CBS News to provide news briefs and has developed a relationship with LPI Media, publisher of The Advocate, Out, and The Out Traveler magazines. Logo replaced VH1 Mega Hits when it was launched.
Logo is one of three gay-themed networks launched in the US market. The other two are here! TV and the now defunct Q television.
In conjunction with Viacom and MTV Networks, Logo will feature more than 150 movie and documentary acquisitions and is currently in active development with more than 20 original projects.
Criticism
Logo has been criticised for editing its programming for content (cutting profanity and nudity) and for commercial interruption. It has also been negatively perceived as having repetitive scheduling and as being a "dumping ground" for failed gay-themed CBS shows like Some Of My Best Friends... and It's All Relative instead of airing more original programming.
Original programming
- Can't Get a Date - (premiered 6/7/06) Reality series in which gays and lesbians are offered dating advice. VH1 airs a version for heterosexuals who cannot get dates.
- Global Getaway - (on-air 7/2/05 through present) A travel show featuring gay destinations.
- Round Trip Ticket - (13 Episodes, airing 7/1/05 – 2/28/06) Hosted by Will Wikle, this show showcases alternative or less well-known sites, and profiles the gays and lesbians who live or work in each destination.
- Real Momentum - (on-air 6/30/05 through present) A documentary series which includes Logo programs, and previously released documentaries like Paris Is Burning.
- NewNowNext - (on-air 10/24/05 through present) Music videos and performances by LGBT performers.
- The Click List: Top 10 Videos - (airing 12/9/05 through present) Music video countdown based on viewer votes on the Internet. On 6/24/06, the show featured exclusively Madonna videos that viewers had selected.
- TransGeneration - (8 episodes, airing 1/18/06 – 2/26/06) A documentary series about four transgender college students who are about to undergo a sex change operation.
- Noah's Arc - (9 episodes, airing 10/19/05 through present) Dramatic series about four African-American gay men living in Los Angeles.
- CBS News on LOGO - Anchor Jason Bellini and several correspondents report news stories geared toward LGBT viewers.
- The Ride: Seven Days to End AIDS - (5 episodes, premiered March 2006) In this reality series, a group of cyclists take part in the AIDS/Lifecycle 4 Race, an annual, seven-day race that spans 585 miles. The show covers reasons participants take part in the race, inspirational people in their lives, and the fight against HIV and AIDS.
- 17th Annual GLAAD Awards - (90-minute special premiered April 16th).
- Coming Out Stories.
- Wisecrack - (6 episodes) Openly gay and lesbian stand-up comedians perform. Taped at The Abbey in West Hollywood.
Other programming new to U.S. audiences
- First Comes Love - Hosted by actor/comedian Scott Thompson (Kids in the Hall) with wedding planner Fern Cohen. Thompson, as "the wedding fairy," plans fabulousweddings for lesbian and gay couples. Originally broadcast in Canada under the title My Fabulous Gay Wedding.