Viacom is planning to launch a new gay channel:
- Mr Redstone said he was in discussions with cable operators over a gay and lesbian service.
At the launch for the new Latin VH1 channel in Mexico City, he said the gay network would be “a good channel for them, and a good channel for Viacom”.
He said there was no reason why Viacom should not try and reach “such an enormous demographic”.
“We are prepared to give it a go, and I’m optimistic about it,” he said. He was not concerned about opposition from conservative religious groups, he added.
“The channel will succeed, I believe,” he said. “And we will not be deterred by nay-sayers.”
On Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Mr Redstone said Viacom should not have shelved plans for the service two years ago because it could now be worth $1bn. [BBC]
I will not speculate on programming.