The video-on-demand (VOD) channel aims to provide content “that unashamedly tells the stories of Africa’s LGBT community”.
South Africa managed another first this weekend when PrideTV switched on its servers.
New content will be loaded onto PrideTV on a regular basis and the VOD channel plans to present more local content in future, including producing its own original content, like chat shows as well as streaming live from events.
“Traditional TV channels have historically offered only small smatterings of one-dimensional LGBT content that ironically reinforces stereotypes instead of shattering them. PrideTV reverses the trend to restrict access to LGBT themes by South African and African broadcasters,” says Joanne Raphael Katz, PrideTV’s content manager.
Katz says the demise of the Out in Africa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival dramatically reduced access to independent LGBT films “while homophobic and transphobic viewer complaints and repressive censorship laws across the continent devastate diversity”.
“We want to create not just a movie site but also a lifestyle site for the LGBT community that works with and supports the community,” added Alicia Antill, Marketing Media Officer for Pride TV.
The service has over 200 titles with around 65% of the content being gay male focussed, while 35% deals with lesbian and transgender themes.
For further information visit: www.prideTV.co.za
