Logo TV

Logo TV (often shortened to Logo, and stylized as Logo.) is an American basic cable channel owned by Paramount Media Networks, a division of Paramount Global. Launched in 2005, Logo was originally dedicated to lifestyle and entertainment programming targeting LGBT audiences. As of January 2016, approximately 50 million households receive Logo.[2]

Not to be confused with Logo Records or Logo.

Logo TV
Different by design
CountryUnited States
Broadcast areaNationwide
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format1080i HDTV
(downscaled to letterboxed 480i for the SDTV feed)
Ownership
OwnerParamount Media Networks (Paramount Global)
ParentMTV Entertainment Group
Sister channels
List
History
LaunchedJune 30, 2005 (2005-06-30)[1]
ReplacedVH1 MegaHits
Links
Websitewww.logotv.com
Availability
Streaming media
Service(s)Sling TV, Philo, FuboTV, Vidgo TV

History

The 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 former MTV executive Matt Farber. Its first president, Brian Graden, was named by Out as the 15th most powerful gay person in America in 2007.[3] Logo replaced VH1 MegaHits when it was launched.[4]

Logo TV wordmark used from 2005 to 2012
Logo TV logo (2012–2015)

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 an acronym.[5] The channel's website says:

We chose the name "Logo TV" because a logo is 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 with DirecTV, Charter Communications, Adelphia Communications Corporation, Cablevision, Time Warner Cable, and RCN Corporation. The broadcaster reached a deal with Comcast after the launch date.[7] Logo also partnered at the time with CBS News to provide news briefs and had a marketing agreement with LPI Media, publisher of The Advocate, Out, and Out Traveler magazines. 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 on Dish Network in 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 series Absolutely Fabulous and co-produced the show's three revival specials during 2011 and 2012 with the BBC and BBC 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
Main article: List of television programs broadcast by Logo

Logo's programming was initially a blend of movies, reality television, travel programming, dating & romance shows, documentaries, music videos, stand-up 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 to TV Land, airing older sitcoms from the 1970s to 1990s.[16] In line with Viacom's 2017 restructuring plan, the network no longer produces any new programming outside of content for its social media pages. RuPaul's Drag Race moved to sister network VH1 that 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, remains the only active website owned by the network.

See also

References
  1. Collins, Scott (June 30, 2005). "Corporate giant Viacom to roll out gay cable channel tonight". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  2. "Cable Network Coverage Area Household Universe Estimates: January 2016".
  3. "'Out' Magazine Releases Power List, Underestimates 'Times' Gaiety". New York. April 7, 2008. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  4. Hibberd, James. "Gay Net to Bump VH1 Spinoff". TelevisionWeek. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  5. "MTV To Launch Gay Lesbian Cable Network". Exoticize My Fist (defunct). Archived from the original on March 16, 2008. Retrieved April 8, 2008.
  6. "LOGO TV: Frequently Asked Questions". Logo TV. Archived from the original on February 21, 2010. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  7. McDaniel, Mike (June 19, 2007). "Today's Comcast changes add gay channel". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  8. Becker, Anne (December 11, 2006). "Time Warner Cable Re-Ups With MTV, BET". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  9. "Blockbuster@Home™". Dish Network. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  10. "Complete 'Absolutely Fabulous' to air on Logo TV". HitFix. March 24, 2011. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  11. Ciriaco, Michael (February 21, 2012). "Logo's New Programming Slate Reveals Shift Away From Gay-Centric Shows". Queerty. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  12. Carney, Brian T. (March 1, 2012). "Logo broadens programming". Washington Blade. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  13. "Logo Amplifies Culture Shift With Expanded Programming". The Futon Critic (Press release). February 21, 2012. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  14. Nededog, Jethro (October 7, 2013). "Logo GM Lisa Sherman Exiting Network". The Wrap. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  15. Andreeva, Nellie (October 7, 2013). "Logo General Manager Lisa Sherman Exits". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  16. "TV Schedule | Shows, Episodes, and Reality Series On TV | LOGOtv.com".
  17. Lieberman, David (February 9, 2017). "Viacom CEO Supports Paramount And Non-Core Networks – But For How Long?". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 18, 2017.
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