Viacom to launch gay basic cable channel

Viacom to launch gay basic cable channel

NEW YORK — Viacom Inc. — the global communications company that owns CBS, Paramount Pictures, Showtime, MTV and several other major media properties — announced May 25 that MTV Networks will launch a new cable network targeted toward homosexuals next year. The new channel — LOGO — is set to launch in February 2005.

MTV says LOGO will feature movies, reality shows and other content for the homosexual audience. But rather than making it a premium channel that customers would have to specifically order, LOGO will be a basic cable channel that will automatically come into every cable subscriber’s home alongside networks like CNN and FOX News.

The Family Research Council responded to the announcement by urging citizens to support legislation that would allow consumers to choose which cable channels they want rather than buying pre-set packages.  (TAB)