South Africa’s first LGBT video-on-demand (VOD) channel has been launched to provide content that unashamedly tells the stories of Africa’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. By Staff Writer
“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 Content Manager.
PrideTV costs R79 a month (or R790 for 12 months – 2 months free) and viewers subscribe by visiting www.prideTV.co.za. Credit cards are accepted. Alternatively, viewers can use their mobile billing to pay for access. You’ll then be able to watch as many of the movies, documentaries and series as you want, any time, night or day.
The demise of the Out in Africa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival has dramatically reduced access to independent LGBT films while homophobic and transphobic viewer complaints and repressive censorship laws across the continent devastate diversity.
PrideTV provides South Africa, and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, with an affordable and growing library of LGBT movies and series. PrideTV is riding the wave of new VOD online services that are revolutionising the entertainment world.
Pride TV’s launch slate of movie titles makes it the choice destination celebrating the best of LGBT independent studios and movies. The service is accessible via broadband Internet or wi-fi connection and can be viewed on smart televisions, desktop computers, laptops, tablets or mobile phones – both iOS and Android operating systems are catered for.
PrideTV has launched with over 200 content titles from all over the world and across all genres; from classic and edgy to new and heart-warming. There are comedies, sexy college boy thrillers, horrors, love stories, gripping dramas and doccies about LGBT issues and personalities. Around 65% of the content is gay male focused and 35% deals with lesbian and transgender themes.
“We know that LGBT people are early adopters of technology so we’re confident that they will join the online streaming revolution. The best part is that we can reach anyone in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Katz added.