Logo (TV channel)

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Logo
Logo
Launched June 30, 2005
Owned by Viacom (through MTV Networks division)
Headquarters New York City, U.S.
Replaced VH1 Mega Hits
Website LogoOnline.com
Availability
Satellite
DirecTV Channel 272
Cable
Available on most cable systems Check Local Listings for channels

Logo is an American 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[1] was reached after the launch date. 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 in some markets when it was launched. On December 11, 2006, MTV Networks and Time Warner Cable announced an agreement to expand its distribution of Logo to additional markets.[2]

Logo was available in an estimated 30 million homes as of February 2008 and is in the 25 largest media markets in the United States.[1]

The channel was founded by MTV President Brian Graden, who in 2007 was named by Out Magazine as the 10th most powerful gay person in America.[2]

Day to day operations are handled by Lisa Sherman, who is Executive Vice President and General Manager. Prior coming to Logo, Sherman was Senior Vice President and Group Account Director of the New York office of the Hill Holliday advertising agency.[3]

Logo is one of three gay-themed networks launched in the U.S. market. The other two are here! and the now defunct Q Television Network.

Contents

[edit] Meaning of name

According to company executives the name does not represent anything and is not an acronym.[4]. The channel's website says:

We chose to name the channel "Logo" because as the first and only 24/7 channel for the LGBT community, we wanted a name that people could make their own and give it personal meaning. For us, the word "Logo" is about identity, about being comfortable in your own skin. It's about being who you are.[5]

[edit] Programming

Logo's programming is a blend of movies with gay themes, reality television, travel programming, dating/romance shows, documentaries, music videos, stand-up comedy, news, and syndicated programs with gay characters or gay interest/fanbases. Some content originated from other Viacom properties including Comedy Central, MTV and VH1, although the amount of such content has been reduced in favor of more original programming. As of August 2007 a (non-comprehensive) list of programming includes:

[edit] Reality

[edit] Original Series (Scripted)

[edit] Travel

[edit] Dating/romance

[edit] Film & Documentary

[edit] Music video

[edit] Comedy

[edit] Animation

[edit] Syndicated programming

[edit] News & Events

  • CBS News on Logo
  • The Visible Vote '08: A Presidential Forum
  • 17th Annual GLAAD Media Awards
  • Advocate Newsmagazine
  • The Out 100

[edit] Multiplatform Content and Acquisitions

[edit] Online

Logo publishes a collection of web sites, all of which it describes as being a part of LOGOonline, the umbrella name for these sites.

Logo's first web site LOGOonline.com, launched shortly before the channel in June 2005. In 2006 Logo acquired three LGBT websites: 365gay.com (a site featuring news relevant to the LGBT community), AfterEllen.com (a site featuring news and commentary on bisexual and lesbian women in media and entertainment), and AfterElton.com (a site featuring news and commentary on bisexual and gay men in media and entertainment).

On March 22, 2006, Logo launched its second site, NewNowNext.com (a blog on pop culture news and trends). On May 29, 2007, Logo launched HappiestGayCouple.com (a site for fans of the series Rick & Steve). On August 2, 2007, Logo launched VisibleVote08.com (a site offering Logo's coverage of the 2008 U.S. Presidential election).

[edit] Wireless

As of March 2007, Logo is available on wireless platforms on Verizon Wireless, Sprint, Amp'd, and Helio.

[edit] Downloads

As of September 2006, Logo has programming content available for download on iTunes, Amazon Unbox, and AOL Video. In December 2006 Logo began offering content for download on Wal-Mart's service. In February 2007, Logo also started publishing shows for download with BitTorrent[3]. In June 2007, Logo programming became available for download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

[edit] On Demand

As of September 2006, Logo features select programming content on the Video On Demand platform on Comcast, Cox, Verizon and Time Warner Cable cable providers. Logo programming became available on the Joost service since the time it officially launched.

[edit] Theatrical

In early 2007 Puccini for Beginners became the first film released in theaters in conjunction with Logo. Another film that will be in theaters is the film version of Noah's Arc.

[edit] DVD

  • Noah's Arc season one (released August 6, 2006)
  • Noah's Arc season two (released June 12, 2007)
  • Rick & Steve season one (released August 28, 2007)
  • The Big Gay Sketch Show Seasons 1 & 2 (April 29, 2008)

[edit] Podcasting

As of January 2007, Logo offers several audio and video podcasts through the podcast section of the iTunes store. At launch the offering includes audio and video podcasts for CBS News On Logo, Jason Bellini's Here & Now, Talking To Manatees, She Said What?, and Wisecrack. On July 28, 2007, Logo launched a new audio podcast titled Oh God I'm Gay, which addresses spiritual issues for LGBT people.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Lisa Sherman Named Executive Vice President, General Manager, Logo - Press Release - February 5, 2008 - Reuters.com
  2. ^ Oxfield, Jesse, Idov, Michael (March 4, 2007), ‘Out’ Ranks the Top 50 Gays; Anderson Is No. 2, New York Magazine. Retrieved June 28, 2007.
  3. ^ Lisa Sherman Named Executive Vice President, General Manager, Logo - Press Release - February 5, 2008 - Reuters.com
  4. ^ MTV To Launch Gay Lesbian Cable Network - exoticizemyfist.com - Retrieved April 8, 2008
  5. ^ http://www.logoonline.com/about/faq.jhtml#why Frequently Asked Questions - logonline.com - Retrieved April 8, 2008]
  6. ^ Review of Pick up the Mic, After Ellen, 2006-10-18, <http://www.afterellen.com/Movies/2006/10/pickup.html> 

[edit] External links