December 5, 2012
Logo Founder to Launch YouTube Gay-Themed Channel
Jason St. Amand READ TIME: 2 MIN.
The founder of the cable channel Logo, initially geared towards the LGBT community, is now setting his sites on the Internet and announced that he would be launching a gay-themed YouTube channel, the Hollywood Reporter reports.
Matt Farber, along with Logo's former vice president, Brian Tolleson, will launch the LGBT-centric Gwist on Jan. 14. The YouTube channel will have 10 original programs that feature stars from community.
"An online video network is a natural next step in the evolution of gay media and entertainment," Farber said. "The social media, on demand and universal distribution aspects of online and mobile video are perfectly suited for niche programming. With broadcast and cable networks becoming more homogenous in order to reach the broadest audience, and online video consumption reaching critical mass, the time feels right for Gwist."
Farber, who was a former MTV executive, was also behind the launch of Clear Channel's Radio With a Twist and Sony's Music With a Twist record label. He currently works as the head of content at television brand integration agency Bark Bark.
Gwist will have 10 new series, including a scripted drama from Tina Cesa Ward, an out filmmaker and the creator of a Writers Guild Award-winning Internet series, "Anyone But Me." The new channel will also feature works from YouTube star Louis Virtel, comedian Judy Gold and drag superstar Miss Richfield 1981.
"Love'N Mo" is a "gay girls' guide to sex and relationships for straight men" and stars former WNBA star Margot Clark. "Steam Room Stories" is a "scripted series about a towel-clad group of men -- gay and straight -- discussing a topic at the gym" and "The Randy Rainbow Show" is a "sketch and celebrity spoof series featuring tongue-in-cheek commentary from YouTube personality Randy Rainbow."
When Logo was launched in 2005, its producers focused the channel's programing on the LGBT community but in late February, it was announced that it was shifting its programing strategy. Officials cited research that showed the members of the community were becoming less interested in shows that highlighted their sexual orientation or identity, which resulted in the channel to create programs that focus less on LGBT-specific interests and more on general culture and lifestyle.
