Logo TV | |
---|---|
Launched | June 30, 2005 |
Owned by | Viacom Media Networks |
Picture format |
1080i (HDTV) 480i (SDTV) |
Slogan | Different by Design |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Broadcast area | Nationwide |
Replaced | VH1 MegaHits |
Sister channel(s) |
BET CMT Comedy Central MTV MTV2 MTV Tres mtvU Nickelodeon Nick Jr. Nicktoons Spike TeenNick TV Land VH1 |
Website | www |
Availability
|
|
Satellite | |
DirecTV | Channel 272 (SD) |
Dish Network | Channel 254 (HD) |
Cable | |
AT&T U-verse | Channel 183 (SD) |
Optimum TV | Channel 179 (SD) |
Verizon FiOS | Channel 187 (SD) Channel 687 (HD) |
IPTV | |
Sling TV | Internet Protocol television |
Logo TV (often shorted to Logo) is an American digital cable and satellite television channel that is owned by Viacom Media Networks. From its launch up to February 21, 2012, the channel focused on lifestyle programming aimed primarily at LGBT people. Since February 21, 2012, however, the channel has been shifting its focus away from LGBT programming towards general cultural and lifestyle programming, prompting outrage from the channel's LGBT viewership, who responded by comparing the channel's new non-LGBT programming focus to that of the NBCUniversal-owned Bravo.
As of February 2015, approximately 51,337,000 American households (44.1% of households with television) receive Logo.
The channel launched June 30, 2005 as the first advertiser-supported commercial television channel in the United States geared towards the LGBT community. It was founded by former MTV executive Matt Farber. Its first president, Brian Graden, was named by Out Magazine as the 15th most powerful gay person in America in 2007. Logo replaced VH1 MegaHits when it was launched.
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. The channel's website says:
We chose the name "Logo TV" because a 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.
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. Logo has partnered with CBS News to provide news briefs and has developed a relationship 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. Logo became available on Dish Network in May 2009 (in HD only) as part of an add-on package.