Bravo readies gay-themed broadband network
Tue Feb 7, 2006 5:34 AM ET
By Carly Mayberry
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Bravo is launching its first broadband channel targeted specifically to a gay and lesbian audience, the network said Monday.
Dubbed OutzoneTV.com, the channel, set to launch next month, will feature video-on-demand content based around the network's series "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," "Boy Meets Boy" and "Gay Weddings," and will also establish blogs and other community activities where viewers can voice opinions and post comments about Bravo programming.
The move follows the launch of TrioTV.com and the future launch of BrilliantButCancelled.com, part of the NBC Universal-owned network's aggressive rollout of broadband channels announced last month.
"Clearly, there's an appetite from Bravo television viewers for increased flow of content that a linear TV channel can't provide," Bravo president Lauren Zalaznick said. "This on-demand push makes great Bravo content that there isn't room for on TV available 24/7."
Zalaznick, who said the broadband channel's content will be "smart and funny and relatable to everyone," also said the network is partnering with media entertainment PlanetOut Inc. to draw from their advertising and editorial expertise with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender demographic. The collaboration marks the first time Bravo has partnered with an outside agency in the creation of a broadband site.
"We're gaining cross-promotion from the entertainment outlet for this community," Zalaznick said about Bravo's collaboration with PlanetOut, which owns Gay.com, PlanetOut.com, Kleptomaniac.com and Out&About Travel.
OutzoneTV.com, TrioTV.com and BrilliantButCancelled.com all are inspired by programming created by the now-defunct Trio network. All three channels exist under the umbrella of the network's original site, BravoTV.com. |
