Logo TV(often shortened toLogo,and stylized asLogo.) is an Americanbasic cablechannelowned byParamount Media Networks,a division ofParamount Global.Launched in 2005, Logo was originally dedicated to lifestyle and entertainment programming targetingLGBTQaudiences.
 Different by design | |
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Nationwide |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | English |
| Picture format | 1080iHDTV (downscaled toletterboxed480ifor theSDTVfeed) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Paramount Media Networks(Paramount Global) |
| Parent | MTV Entertainment Group |
| Sister channels | List
|
| History | |
| Launched | June 30, 2005[1] |
| Replaced | VH1 MegaHits |
| Links | |
| Website | www |
| Availability | |
| Streaming media | |
| Service(s) | Sling TV,Philo,FuboTV,Vidgo TV |
In recent years, Logo has lost carriage with the growth of streaming alternatives including its parent company'sParamount+,and has generally been depreciated by Paramount in current retransmission consent negotiations with cable and streaming providers.
As of November 2023[update],Logo is available to approximately 22,000,000 pay television households in the United States-down from its 2013 peak of 53,000,000 households.[2]
History
editThe channel launched June 30, 2005, as the first advertiser-supported commercial television channel in the United States geared towards the gay community. It was founded by formerMTVexecutive Matt Farber. Its first president,Brian Graden,was named byOutas the 15th most powerful gay person in America in 2007.[3]Logo replacedVH1 MegaHitswhen it was launched.[4]
The fact that the LGBT-themed channel was named "Logo" led some viewers to think the "l" and the "g" referenced "lesbian" and "gay", but according to company executives, the name does not represent anything, nor is it anacronym.[5]The channel's website says:
We chose the name "Logo TV" because alogois an identity and nothing's more important than having your own, unique identity, and making it work for you. Your logo is your symbol, it's what you put forward with pride, it's who you are, and it's what we are.[6]
Logo struck carriage deals prior to its launch date withDirecTV,Charter Communications,Adelphia Communications Corporation,Cablevision,Time Warner Cable,andRCN Corporation.The broadcaster reached a deal withComcastafter the launch date.[7]Logo also partnered at the time withCBS Newsto provide news briefs and had a marketing agreement withLPI Media,publisher ofThe Advocate,Out,andOut Travelermagazines. MTV Networks and Time Warner Cable announced an agreement December 11, 2006, to expand its distribution of Logo to additional markets.[8]Logo became available onDish Networkin May 2009 (in HD only) as part of an add-on package.[9]
In April 2011, Logo acquired the rights to air the British comedy seriesAbsolutely Fabulousand co-produced the show'sthree revival specialsduring 2011 and 2012 with theBBCandBBC America.Logo aired the episodes in a heavily edited format, while BBC America aired the episodes in its entirety.[10]
The network announced on February 21, 2012, that it would change its programming strategy.[11]Citing research that indicated that LGBT people were becoming increasingly less likely to prioritize highlighting their sexual orientation or identity, the channel entered into partnerships to produce programs that focused less on LGBT-specific interests and more on general cultural and lifestyle subjects.[12][13]
Day-to-day operations were handled by Lisa Sherman, who was executive vice president and general manager until her resignation in October 2013.[14][15]
Programming
editLogo's programming was initially a blend of movies, reality television, travel programming, dating & romance shows, documentaries,music videos,comedy, news, and syndicated programs that either had queer characters or were popular among queer viewers.
Since 2017, the network's main programming serves as a complementary flank toTV Land,airing older sitcoms from the 1970s to 1990s.[16]In line withViacom's 2017 restructuring plan, the network no longer produces any new programming outside of content for its social media pages.RuPaul's Drag Racemoved to sister networkVH1that year, with Logo now only airing reruns and simulcasts of the show and its spinoffs.[17]
Logo also previously operated a collection of websites under the LOGOonline umbrella name.NewNowNext,a pop culture news and trends blog, remained the only active website owned by the network until July 2022, when it was merged intoLogo News;[18]the URL now redirects to other company properties.[19]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^Collins, Scott (June 30, 2005)."Corporate giant Viacom to roll out gay cable channel tonight".The Baltimore Sun.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^"U.S. cable network households (universe), 1990 – 2023".wrestlenomics.com.May 14, 2024.RetrievedJuly 28,2019.
- ^"'Out' Magazine Releases Power List, Underestimates 'Times' Gaiety ".New York.April 7, 2008.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^Hibberd, James."Gay Net to Bump VH1 Spinoff".TelevisionWeek.Archived fromthe originalon December 24, 2013.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^"MTV To Launch Gay Lesbian Cable Network".Exoticize My Fist (defunct). Archived fromthe originalon March 16, 2008.RetrievedApril 8,2008.
- ^"LOGO TV: Frequently Asked Questions".Logo TV. Archived fromthe originalon February 21, 2010.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^McDaniel, Mike (June 19, 2007)."Today's Comcast changes add gay channel".Houston Chronicle.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^Becker, Anne (December 11, 2006)."Time Warner Cable Re-Ups With MTV, BET".Broadcasting & Cable.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^"Blockbuster@Home".Dish Network.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^"Complete 'Absolutely Fabulous' to air on Logo TV".HitFix. March 24, 2011.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^Ciriaco, Michael (February 21, 2012)."Logo's New Programming Slate Reveals Shift Away From Gay-Centric Shows".Queerty.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^Carney, Brian T. (March 1, 2012)."Logo broadens programming".Washington Blade.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^"Logo Amplifies Culture Shift With Expanded Programming".The Futon Critic(Press release). February 21, 2012.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^Nededog, Jethro (October 7, 2013)."Logo GM Lisa Sherman Exiting Network".The Wrap.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^Andreeva, Nellie (October 7, 2013)."Logo General Manager Lisa Sherman Exits".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^"TV Schedule | Shows, Episodes, and Reality Series On TV | LOGOtv.com".
- ^Lieberman, David (February 9, 2017)."Viacom CEO Supports Paramount And Non-Core Networks – But For How Long?".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedSeptember 18,2017.
- ^"NewNowNext is now Logo News!".July 5, 2022.RetrievedNovember 22,2024– via Twitter.
{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^"MTV Shows".RetrievedNovember 22,2024.
