Jan 06, 2006  |  By: BO SHELL  | COMMENTS     

"Twist," a new nationally syndicated, gay commercial radio show, is set for a Jan. 14 and 15 launch on seven radio stations around the country, including Washington D.C.'s Hot 99.5.

Matt Farber, the president of Wilderness Media & Entertainment and founder of Logo, the all-gay basic cable television channel backed by MTV, announced that the weekly two-hour music countdown and talk show is slated for debuts on Atlanta's Q100 FM WWWQ, New York's 95.5 WPLJ, Los Angeles' Star 98.7, San Francisco's Alice 97.3, Seattle's Kiss 106.1 and Houston's Mix 96.5

The new program also will be available to internet audiences on AOL Radio.

Farber said after he left the "day to day of running Logo" in late 2004, he began concentrating on creating "Twist" and other brands that would diversify Wilderness Media's portfolio.

"Broadcast allows greater reach than print or local events," Farber said. "What's exciting is that Logo launched in 18 million households and continues to grow. 'Twist' will debut in 50 million homes."

Farber said he is working to bring "Twist" to stations in San Diego, Portland and Boston, adding that stations around the country are recognizing the need for gay and lesbian radio programming.

"What's great is a lot of program directors at local radio stations recognize 'Twist' as something they don't have," he said. "'Twist' could be something that solidifies their connection with an important part of their audience. … I'm thrilled with the response so far."

Wilderness Media has not yet released the scheduled time slots for "Twist," but a spokesperson for the show anticipates a late-night run.

Hot 99.5 ready to 'Twist'

Jeff Wyatt, programming director at Hot 99.5 in Washington, D.C., said the program well serve the station's audience.

"Top 40 radio provides the energetic soundtrack to many lifestyles, not least of which is the gay community," Wyatt said. "We look to serve our community at large in every way we possibly can. Both musically and pop culture information wise, Twist is a great addition to our line."

The show will air on Hot 99.5 Sundays from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Gay hosts Dennis Hensley, Will Wikle and Melissa Carter will co-anchor the program's music-and-talk format, which features songs, celebrity interviews, entertainment reports and advice from relationship and lifestyle experts.

"Even though gays and lesbians are in a lot of places, 'Twist' is still unique to be the first of its kind in broadcast radio," Carter said. "The concept of the show has been enough for [stations] to understand the importance.

 "I'm very excited that … 'Twist' will reach the people we don't think about. I think about the [teenagers] who listen to the show, as well as the adults, but the more opportunities for young gays and lesbians to see adults living productive, fulfilling lives the more gay communities come together."

Wikle, the show's New York anchor, gained notoriety through his appearance on CBS' "Big Brother 5." He is now host of the "Round Trip Ticket" travel program on Logo.

Hensley, "Twist's" Los Angeles-based celebrity aficionado, writes about celebrities and Hollywood for TV Guide.