TORONTO – OUTtv, Canada’s national gay and lesbian digital specialty channel, is licensing programming to OUTtv Media Group in the Netherlands, creating the first Dutch gay lifestyle television network. This follows on the heels of OUTtv’s recent programming partnership with the here! channel in the United States.
“We are very excited about the opportunity developed by our partners at OUTtv Netherlands,” said Brad Danks, chief operating officer for OUTtv in Canada. “The Netherlands is one of the most progressive countries in the world regarding gay and lesbian rights, so it is great to have a footing in this enlightened market.”
OUTtv’s programming will include talk shows and news, art house films, and new TV series launching their premieres in the Netherlands, said OUTtv Media Group head Marc Putman. In addition, the new channel will feature U.S. series, such as Queer as Folk and Dante’s Cove, and the U.K. series Mile High.
However, OUTtv’s made-in-Canada shows, such as Coverguy and Bump!, will provide “the backbone of (OUTtv’s) programming schedule,” said Danks.
