Update: Q Television went off the air May 2006
I had the opportunity to talk with Frank Olsen, CEO and President of Q Television Network, a new TV channel for gays and lesbians. Q Television will show programming for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans community. This television network was created to develop a network devoted to providing television programming for the gay and lesbian community. While the company expects much of its subscriber base to be comprised of members of the gay and lesbian population, management also believes that quality programming about the gay and lesbian experience, designed to entertain, educate and inform, will attract many other segments of the viewing public. The company's programming will be available on a subscription basis to those desiring its programming. The network will broadcast 24 hours per day, 7 days per week beginning in late 2004.
Here's what Frank Olsen, president of Q Television had to say.
KB: Where did the idea of Q Television first come from?
I got the idea for Q Television from watching Trinity broadcasting. I saw how loyal the Christian viewers were and knew that the gay community would be just as loyal. If the Christians could have their own station, so could the gays.
What types of programming will you offer?
We will major in interactive programming with the gay community. We will also have sports, information and entertainment procured throughout the gay and lesbian community by our 70% gay production team.
Will all of your content be original, or will you be showing LGBT movies and other shows that have appeared in the theaters or on TV?
We will have approximately 25% original programming - the answer to the rest is "Yes."
What differentiates your network from the other queer stations in the works. (I have heard of one being put out by MTV.)
I don't know. I haven't seen anyone else's gay programming. I do know that ours will be predominantly gay owned and operated and we want to give back as much to the GLBT community as we get, through our programming, sponsorships, etc. We are not here just to take their money. We are here to support, inform, entertain, interact with and be an active part of the gay community.
When will you be on the air?
In a few days, I hope. We are correcting some technical difficulties right now.
How can people check out the programming on Q Television?
By mid-October we should be in 7 major markets across the USA and we expect 100,000 customers by December. We will offer 30 days free viewing in all broadcast areas. We hope to be in 55% of the country by mid-January. Remember that Q Television is a baby right now, just as MTV was 20 years ago, and we have to grow. We will be inclusive and make programming for the entire gay community as we grow. The $7.95 subscription fee is for two reasons: 1) to generate revenue for the cable/satellite companies and 2) because we want to be in people's homes at their invitation ONLY. We will be there because they WANT us to be there.
How can people find out more information?
Update: Q Television went off the air May 2006
