The Observer "The Launch of A Gay Channel"

When I found out that there was a guy hard at work putting together a petition for a gay channel on Dstv. I thought I need to track him down and interview him, especially in what I consider to be the most conflicted country when it comes to gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual issues.

What made you start this petition?
I have been watching gay themed movies and television programs and grew fractious with the manner in which the GLBT community is misrepresented and stereotyped. Till present, I have not seen the GLBT community accurately represented on television in South Africa. (there if more to the answer)

Will this channel be similar to the likes of Logo or will it be similar to GAYtv in UK which airs on SkyDigital?
It is envisaged that the channel will be similar to LOGO and HERE! The only difference would be that the channel will also have to incorporate local content which should make up at least 30% of the total content of the channel. (there is more to this answer)

How would you feel if one of the Christian groups organized a petition, to oppose your gay channel petition?
I would welcome any religious group to petition to appose the GLBT channel. All religious groups have GLBT members in their religions. (there is more to this answer)

All this is subject to what type of content the channel will offer, which may be a miss or hit with viewers. Logo’s success is the result of MTV Networks resources and continued support. The channel relied very little on its idea but more on the MTV Networks wealth of talent, creativity, business connections, money, etc to guarantee its success.

I would like to know what you think about having a gay channel on our airwaves, especially on Dstv or any other newly licensed platform.

For more on this interview and to get all the answers to all the questions. CLICK HERE