April 29, 2005 | The Biz

Maleflixxx TV hits Canadian cable - plug pulled on free preview

Maleflixxx Television, the world's first 24-hour gay adult digital cable channel officially launches this weekend with a party at Toronto's popular Woody's bar. Porn stars Michael Brandon and Carlos Morales will be the special guests tonight, with more entertainment provided by the multi-talented Sofonda Cox.

Maleflixxx Television will be carried by Rogers Cable Systems and is being launched at the same time as two straight adult channels, operated by Maleflixxx partner, Adults Only Video (AOV). Subscriptions are $29.95 per month.

There was a slight bump in the road this week when a planned free weekend-long preview was cancelled at the last minute. On Thursday the Toronto Globe and Mail published an article regarding opposition to the preview by conservative lobby groups. The complainants cited concerns that children might access the free adult channels - even though all Rogers digital subscribers must enter a four digit PIN code to access pay per view and adult materials. However, the Globe disclosed the default PIN code "0000" in the article.

On Friday the Globe reported that Rogers Cable president Edward Rogers had decided to cancel the preview. According to a Maleflixxx spokesman, the channel was in agreement with the decision, given the fact that the Globe had inadvertently circumvented parental controls by publishing the default PIN number.

Potential customers of Maleflixxx Television who are disappointed by the cancelled free preview should be placated by a new offer of 50% off for the first two months of a subscription.

Canadians now have a choice between two gay adult cable channels. Money-losing Pride Vision, launched 3 years ago, is being spun off into the lifestyle-oriented OUTtv, which carries no porn; and Hard TV, which is all porn, all the time. Hard TV is being heavily promoted to current Pride Vision subscribers.
[Maleflixxx Television press release]
[Globe and Mail]
Maleflixxx Television
Pride Vision