This Way Out is being dumped by PlanetOut.com


PlanetOut.com is apparently ending it's sponsorship of This Way Out Radio and kicking This Way Out Radio off its web site.

This Way Out sent the following message to its donor mailing list:

We've been informed by PlanetOut.com that they won't be renewing their exclusive Internet licensing agreement with us when it expires in mid-June. That will end the 11-year run that began even before the Internet giant's official launch -- probably the longest-lasting relationship in the LGBT online world -- and leaves "This Way Out" in something of a pickle. Not only are we searching for a new audio home on the Web, but we're scrambling for the funds to replace PlanetOut's $1,000 monthly licensing fee.

The monthly income from PlanetOut was This Way Out's only steady source of income. This Way Out has always operated on a shoe-string budget. Its existence is now in jeopardy. This Way Out has been broadcasting weekly LGBT news since 1988. It broadcasts on over 125 local radio stations around the world, including WYEP 91.3 FM in Pittsburgh on Tuesday at 7:30 PM.

You can read more about This Way Out's current situation and history on its web site, hosted by the Queer Resources Directory.

PlanetOut Inc. (stock symbol LGBT) reported revenues of $35,591,000 in 2005 and net income of $2,740,000. Its Chairman and CEO is paid $333,000, its President $257,000, and its COO $258,000, but PlanetOut can no longer find $12,000 yearly and a web page on its site for This Way Out. I wonder if the shareholders will even notice the saving of such a tiny amount.

Posted: Friday - April 28, 2006 at 11:03 AM          

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