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JAY SWITZER JOINS OUTTV BOARD
Vancouver, BC (Canada) - October 22, 2008 – OUTtv, Canada's Gay and Lesbian television channel announced today that Jay Switzer, former CEO of Canadian broadcaster CHUM Ltd. has joined their Board of Directors.
CEO James Shavick said of the announcement, "We are thrilled and privileged to have Jay involved. I have known him from his early days at CHUM and watched him grow into one of Canadian broadcasting's finest executives. We are so fortunate to have his advice and guidance at OUTtv." Newly appointed COO Brad Danks adds: ,"It is such an important time for OUTtv to have the wisdom and experience of someone like Jay on our team. Our subscribers have more than doubled in the past two years and our advertising dollars are up more than six times over last year. Having someone like Jay involved can really help us get to the next level."
Jay Switzer responded, "I am really pleased to be working with the OUTtv board on this exciting opportunity. I have always been a big supporter of this channel and even tried to get a similar license when I was at CHUM. I am very impressed with how far the channel has come in the past few years and am glad to play a positive role in its future development."
Pink Triangle Press President and Executive Director Ken Popert was also confirmed to the OUTtv Board, which appointed Brad Danks as Chief Operating Officer, with Treasurer Andrew Chang also assuming the role of Chief Financial Officer. The rest of the Board is made up of Chair Joy MacPhail, CEO James Shavick, Les Tomlin (CEO of Peace Point Entertainment Group) and Kevin Fox (CEO of Re:Source Media).
About OUTtv
OUTtv is a digital specialty television network providing programming of particular interest to the gay and lesbian community across Canada. Originally launched in September 2001, it is the world's first Gay and Lesbian focused network to broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is currently available on all major distribution carriers in Canada, with more than 500,000 subscribers. www.outtv.ca Full Story. [10/23/08]
NEW GAY OPERATOR STEPS OUT WITH GAY, GREEN AND AFFORDABLE INTERNATIONAL TOURS
Canadian based OUT Adventures today announced the global launch of operations and website www.out-adventures.com. Business and personal partners Robert Sharp and Steven Larkin have created eco-friendly OUT Adventures in order to address a current gap in the gay and lesbian travel segment that limits adventure travel to a handful of luxury operators.
"As avid gay travelers, Steven and I felt we could leverage our knowledge of the LGBT market and also the mainstream travel industry in order to provide a much more affordable, culturally enriching experience to gay men, lesbians, their friends and families," says Robert.
Larkin adds "Gays and lesbians are looking for their next big travel experience, but amidst economic uncertainty they also don't want to break the bank. We now offer this traveller a truly engaging, comfortable (average 3-3.5 star) experience that leaves them with plenty of spending money."
OUT Adventures will operate closed groups with a maximum of 12 passengers and has over 80 global departures planned in its first year. Trips are tailored to meet the needs of gay and lesbian travellers and begin at $875 CAD for an 8 day trip to Peru including a 3 day hike to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail. All trips will have a strong focus on responsible travel by using locally owned hotels, restaurants and also interaction with local communities, both LGBT and mainstream.
The company is also leading this niche market by operating in a manner that contributes to the well being of the planet - from using green power in the OUT Adventures head office to including carbon emission off-setting in the cost of approximately 15% of its trips in its first year and in all trips by 2010.
In order to provide the best itineraries at the most affordable prices, OUT Adventures has partnered with one of the world's leading adventure tour operators, Intrepid Travel which will allow OUT to contract with a global network of destination management companies under the Intrepid brand.
Travellers can choose from Active, Comfort, In Style , Independent and also Family trips for same sex couples with children over the age of 6. Trips are available directly through the OUT Adventures website at www.out-adventures.com and travel agents worldwide.
For more information please contact Robert Sharp at robert@out-adventures.com or 416.583.2680.
About OUT Adventures Inc.:
Toronto, Canada based OUT Adventures was founded by partners Steven Larkin and Robert Sharp and provides affordable and eco-friendly small group adventures to the LGBT community with over 35 worldwide destinations. OUT Adventures is a proud member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association and the Travel Industry Council of Ontario. Visit www.out-adventures.com for more information and a complete product offering or join the OUT Adventures Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=38662329761.
Intrepid Travel Pty Ltd.:
With over 19 years of experience, Intrepid Travel is one of the world's leading small group adventure tour operators. Intrepid offers over 450 itineraries in more than 90 destinations worldwide. Intrepid trips are designed to go off the beaten track, meet the locals and travel in an unconventional way, joining locals on their transport, in their markets and even in their homes. Visit www.intrepidtravel.com for more information. > Full Story. [10/16/08]
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