The New York-based startup, which is in talks with numerous cable operators and satellite and hotel distributors, is also gearing up to broadcast High Society TV and Cheri TV possibly later this year, spokeswoman Lee Migliara told XBiz.
It is Playgirl’s first foray outside print publishing in its 31-year history. Playgirl TV, formatted in segments based on features in the magazine, also will produce a romantic comedy, sex advice and an X-rated soap opera for the broadcasts, which will be in 90-minute and 3-hour formats.
“Men have a huge selection of sexually oriented programming on television but women have been largely ignored," spokeswoman Kelly Holland said. "Playgirl knows women love and desire sex as much as any man and Playgirl TV will deliver them the erotic experience they've been demanding –no holds barred."
Trans Digital entered into a deal last year with magazine publisher Blue Horizon Media, publisher of High Society, Cheri and Playgirl, to broadcast programs based on the magazines. Terms of the licensing deal were not disclosed.
Media analyst Dennis McAlpine said Trans Digital’s deal with Blue Horizon “should allow the company to establish a niche for itself."
"The Playgirl name will differentiate the new network and its programming from other adult programming that is available to consumers,” McAlpine said.