TORONTO/VANCOUVER – Buying out minority shareholders Pink Triangle Press (PTP) and Peace Point Entertainment Group (PPEG), James Shavick and his partner Joy MacPhail have consolidated their position as the majority shareholder of OUTtv, Canada’s national gay and lesbian television network. The move increases Shavick’s stake in the cable channel from approximately 52% to about 95%.
For more than 40 years PTP has been Canada’s preeminent gay media organization, best known for the Xtra community publications in Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa, and Fab magazine.
PPEG (peacepoint.tv) is one of Canada’s leading media companies, developing, producing and financing leading edge transmedia and mobile virtual experiences. PPEG’s original content is seen in over 150 countries.
Originally from Montreal, Shavick began his career as a producer in 1976, and has produced more than 400 hours of television, including Breaker High and The New Addams Family, and 116 MOWs and long-form production since relocating to Vancouver in 1993, including two number-1 rated shows in the United States. In 2006 he moved into the broadcasting sector with his acquisition of the majority of the shares in OUTtv.
Joy MacPhail is a former leader of the opposition, Finance Minister and Deputy Premier of British Columbia. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for several major corporations and philanthropic foundations, including Delta Hotels, SilverBirch Management, the Face the World Foundation and the BC Cancer Foundation.
“Participating in the ownership and management of OUTtv for nearly a decade has greatly expanded the capabilities of our organization,” commented PTP president Ken Popert. “But our future is on the internet and in the mobile space, and the sale of our OUTtv interest will allow us to focus on those.”
PPEG president Les Tomlin notes, “It has been an incredible journey being part of OUTtv for the past nine years. Growing the network from a fringe channel to a successful, world class brand has been a hugely rewarding experience. I know OUTtv will continue to thrive under the ongoing leadership of James Shavick and Brad Danks and wish them continued success with the business.”
”We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with PTP and PPEG since we acquired the majority of shares in 2006,” said OUTtv CEO James Shavick. “We will miss the capable assistance of Andrew Chang and the tremendous producing skills of Les Tomlin. I will personally especially miss the input of the iconic Ken Popert in the business.”
