VANCOUVER – The world’s first gay TV network, OUTtv promises its “most exciting fall programming lineup in its history” has something for everyone. The network is also launching in HD on Rogers and Cogeco (Rogers channel 600 and Cogeco channel 899). OUTtv began broadcasting in HD in July of this year, rolling out across the Eastlink systems.
“We are delighted that Rogers and Cogeco have been so quick to get our HD offering into their lineup. These additions come with packaging changes significantly increases our overall market penetration in Ontario and the GTA. This could not have come at a better time for our audience, as we have our best fall lineup ever starting this October,” said James Shavick, CEO of OUTtv.
OUTtv is the world’s first and Canada’s only television network focused on programming for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) audience. The channel has broadened over the years from a niche audience to a more mainstream channel, with wide appeal among trendsetting and eclectic audiences thanks to its unique lineup of movies, series and lifestyle programming.
“We expect to add at least two more carriers between now and Christmas, and even more throughout 2013,” adds Brad Danks, COO of OUTtv.
Ealier this summer, OUTtv completed a top-to-bottom rebrand, designed in anticipation of the launch of its HD services. OUTtv also boasts many vibrant social media communities on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+.
Since the channel was launched in 2001, OUTtv has grown from just 20,000 subscribers to over 1.2 million today, making it the most successful television network of its kind in the world.
Fall 2012 schedule highlights:
New Series: On Monday October 22, OUTtv presents DTLA. From the Executive Producer of The L Word, this “racy, edgy new drama” follows the lives and relationships of seven friends of different ethnic, cultural, and sexual orientations living in downtown Los Angeles.
Candy Bar Girls is a brand new British drama, running Monday nights starting October 1. It follows the lives of the gorgeous lesbians who work and party at the iconic Candy Bar in Soho. On Wednesday October 3, see what the buzz is about when The A-List New York debuts. This docu-reality series from the producers of The Real Housewives of Atlanta tracks six members of New York’s gay elite through their luxurious days and nights and intense personal dramas.
Returning Favourites: The top queens from the first four seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race return on October 22 for RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race. With $100,000 and a spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame on the line, you know the stilettos and the barbs will be sharper than ever. Season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag U also returns with more sizzling makeovers, starting October 3. For the best of Britain, tune in starting Sunday October 7 for Season 8 of Alan Carr’s Chatty Man. Carr’s sparkling wit will be on display as usual when he welcomes top stars like Pink, One Direction, Alicia Keys, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Kylie Minogue. Finally, you can reconnect with the personalities of Queer As Folk when this iconic series returns to the OUTtv airwaves starting November 5.
Fantastic Movies: The bar for OUTtv’s movie lineup is higher than ever with a lively selection of Hollywood, Canadian, and foreign fare. In October alone, you’ll see classics like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Thelma and Louise, and The Birdcage, along with the lesbian story The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister and the Quebecois film Cabotins.
Original Productions: More than just a broadcaster, OUTtv has taken an active role in recent years in commissioning and producing original content to further enhance and celebrate the lifestyles of the GLBT community and its allies. Tune in on Mondays for the hottest looks from the fall/winter collections in Paris, Milan, New York, London, and up-and-coming fashion communities on Men’s Fashion Insider. Season 3 of Favorite Places features prominent members of North America’s GLBT community taking viewers on a personal tour of their communities, and watch for Beautiful People coming later this fall.
