MTV confirmed today that LOGO, a new channel that will aim to "super-serve" the LGBT community, is on course for launch in the US on February 17, 2005.

"Because of the variety of perspectives and experiences in the gay community, the programming ideas and opportunities for LOGO are boundless," explained Brian Graden, president of MTV and VH1 Entertainment. "Perhaps most thrilling has been the outpouring of support and enthusiasm from the creative community, both gay and straight, since we first announced LOGO."

The channel will be ad-supported, meaning that it will be able to appear in the regular digital tier of multi-channel TV providers' lineups.

"In addition to a phenomenal library of acquired films and specials, the programming we’re developing will speak in an authentic voice to this audience," said Matt Farber, an executive consultant who brought the idea for LOGO to MTV Networks. "We’re building this brand to reflect their diversity and tastes through an array of genres, all informed by a gay point of view."

Top names including Cher, Chastity Bono, Alan Cumming and Margaret Cho have been signed up to be involved with projects to air on the channel.

On the acquisitions front, LOGO says it has "amassed the quintessential gay film library for its audience," ranging from blockbusters like The Birdcage to made-for-TV movies, theatricals, indy films, and documentaries. Series being developed include Family Outing, based on Chastity Bono's book; The Alan Cumming Experience, a cabaret hosted by Alan Cumming; The Margaret Cho Series, in which comedian Margaret Cho will star; Fantastic Voyage, a reality series; My Fabulous Gay Wedding, which will examine how gay couples get married; Twist, a panel debate show.

Also included in the lineup will be LOGO Lens, a documentary strand dealing with subjects ranging from gay athletes to gay police officers in New York post-9/11.

Other special programming includes full televised coverage of the 2005 GLAAD Media Awards, a new newsmagazine produced by CBS News and MTV News, and a co-production with TV Land about the gay influence and presence on TV.