Bent TV signs deal

Queer broadcasting group Bent TV is set to put a troubled year behind it, signing a commercial deal with gay pay television channel, Gaysat, to put them back on track.

The beleaguered Bent TV has not produced content since March and the broadcaster hopes to make a comeback in 2009 with replenished coffers.

Gaysat handed over a cheque for $1000 at the recent AGM, the start of an ongoing deal which will see Bent TV receive $400 a month for delivering programming to the subscription-based channel.

Gaysat, itself a new kid on the block, will be launched on December 15 as the only 24-hour gay male lifestyle and community channel for Australia and New Zealand.

Incoming Bent TV vice president Alan Duncan said the move will be a -œsteep learning curve for the station in terms of delivering broadcast material for commercial interests.

Duncan admitted things hit rock bottom this year for the long-running queer broadcaster, winding down -œalmost to the point of no return.

-œPeople were burnt out and we were understaffed -¦ we were really ready to fold and then this offer came through.

-œIt’s the best opportunity we’ve had to survive and while it’s important not to lose our community roots, we need to be a bit more commercial minded -” to help us do better what we’ve been doing for a long time, Duncan told Southern Star.

As part of the deal, Bent TV will also receive payment for coverage of Melbourne events over and above the agreed monthly rate.

Lindsay Probin, Gaysat CEO welcomed the partnership and presented the AGM with future plans between Bent TV and Queerhunt online radio.

-œWhilst we are a privately owned company, we are not politically motivated, nor are we about empire building. We want to leverage the best outcomes to allow Bent TV to continue to do what it does well, as well as to get the best outcomes for Gaysat, he said.

A new board was also elected at the AGM. The line-up now includes Ian Goss as president; Alan Duncan as vice president; Andy Haler, secretary; Mark Mead, treasurer; Nick Bassett and Jed Gilbert.

Bent TV will be returning to Melbourne’s Channel 31 in March and is calling on volunteers to join.

info: To get involved with Bent TV contact: (03) 9517 0125 or email [email protected]