Shavick Entertainment buys OutTV
By Adnews Staff
Vancouver-based production company Shavick Entertainment has purchased gay and lesbian television network OutTV of Toronto. OutTV is a Category One digital cable channel available to approximately 87% of Canadian households. The service carries programming aimed at gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender viewers. Shavick has acquired a majority interest in the company that holds the channel’s license, 6166954 Canada, which does business as PrideVision TV. OutTV was launched by PrideVision in April 2005. A year before that, PrideVision was purchased from Headline Media Group by a consortium of companies including Pink Triangle Press, Re:Source Media and Peace Point Entertainment Group. Pink Triangle Press remains a minority shareholder and will be a business partner in the new operation. Peace Point will also remain a partner. Shavick Entertainment plans to rebrand and rename the network, upgrade its technology and acquire new content. “OutTV’s position as CRTC must-carry service presents an outstanding opportunity to build a major media destination that millions of viewers will come to depend on for authentic, relevant and premium gay and lesbian entertainment,” said company president James Shavick.