California-based Q Television Network will begin soft-launch broadcasts to potential carriers and advertisers from June 1.

"It has taken more than seven years and millions of dollars to arrive at this day," said Q Television's chairman and president Frank Olsen. "Clearly, the time to launch this network is now, and I am confident that the gay and lesbian community will embrace the unique perspective we offer as a family channel."

The station will broadcast its signal on Intelsat America's 7 at 129°W on channel 1.

Q Television's chief financial officer Rene Schenk compared the station's launch to that of cable news channel CNN back in the 1980s. "Just as CNN had tremendous hurdles to overcome, Frank and Q Television Network have had an uphill battle in the launch of Q Television," Schenk explained. "Q Television is positioned to successfully meet the demand that exists for a gay family channel."

The channel's executive vice president, Steven Grunberg, said that Q Television would offer a product very different to other gay-themed programmes. "This is built by and for the gay community," he said. "Rather than a smattering of stereotyped gay characters offered because current market projections indicate it would be profitable, we offer a channel that will unite the gay and lesbian audience through a network that educates, entertains and informs - a network of real value."