OutTV

OutTV (stylized OUTtv) is a Canadian English language Category A cable and satellite specialty channel. Launching in September 2001, OutTV broadcasts general entertainment and lifestyle programming aimed at the LGBT community.

Based in Toronto, Ontario with additional offices in Vancouver, British Columbia, the network is owned by the Vancouver-based Shavick Entertainment, with a smaller minority stake owned by Re:Source Media.

History

As PrideVision

The channel was launched on September 7, 2001 as PrideVision TV. Owned by Headline Media Group, it was Canada's first 24-hour cable television channel targeted at LGBT audiences. It was also the second LGBT-focused channel to be established in the world, after the Gay Cable Network in the U.S., which shut down in 2001. PrideVision TV was one of 21 digital specialty services that were granted a Category 1 license by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) on November 24, 2000; all digital cable and direct broadcast satellite providers would be obliged to carry the network in their lineup. Headline Media Group owned 70.1% of the licence, while Alliance Atlantis owned the remaining interest. In February 2001, before the channel was launched, Alliance Atlantis sold its entire interest in the licence to Headline Media Group, which became the sole owner of the licence.