TheBacklot: The Evolution of an LGBT Entertainment Hub
In the landscape of digital media, few sites captured the intersection of Hollywood and queer identity as distinctly as TheBacklot. Originally established to provide a dedicated space for news regarding gay and bisexual representation in media, the platform underwent several transformations in branding and ownership before eventually merging into a larger network.
The Origins of AfterElton
The platform began its journey under the name AfterElton. It was founded by Sarah Warn, Michael Jensen, and Brent Hartinger. In its early days, Sarah Warn held the role of editor-in-chief for both AfterElton and its sister site, AfterEllen. By November 2005, Michael Jensen stepped into the Editor-in-Chief role, a position he held until September 25, 2011, when Dennis Ayers, the former managing editor, took over the leadership.
Despite its name, the site had no official affiliation with the musician Elton John. Instead, the name served as a reference to the cultural milestone of John publicly coming out, symbolizing a turning point for gay men.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Content and Editorial Focus
The site functioned as a comprehensive resource for LGBT entertainment, covering a wide array of topics including film, television, music, books, and celebrity news. The editorial team produced a variety of content formats to engage its audience:
- Detailed articles and regular columns.
- Critical reviews and recaps of television shows featuring gay and bisexual characters.
- Specialized blogs, most notably the "Meme" authored by Ed Kennedy.
Corporate Transitions and Rebranding
Growth led to corporate acquisition in 2006, when the cable television channel Logo acquired both AfterElton and AfterEllen. As the site evolved, it continued to expand its editorial staff, such as the hiring of Louis Virtel as the West Coast entertainment editor on January 12, 2012.
On January 31, 2013, Dennis Ayers announced a significant strategic shift: AfterElton would be renamed TheBacklot.com. This change, which officially took place on April 17, 2013, was designed to move the site away from its perceived status as "AfterEllen's little brother" and more accurately reflect its primary focus on the Hollywood film and television industry.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Final Merger
The independent identity of TheBacklot came to an end on June 29, 2015. Ayers announced that the site would merge with NewNowNext, another LGBT-themed entertainment website owned by Logo. Following the merger, TheBacklot was discontinued as a standalone brand, and Dan Avery was appointed Editor-in-Chief of the combined entity.
Key Facts
- Founders: Sarah Warn, Michael Jensen, and Brent Hartinger.
- Original Name: AfterElton (launched as a counterpart to AfterEllen).
- Acquisition: Purchased by Logo in 2006.
- Rebrand: Changed to TheBacklot.com on April 17, 2013.
- Final Status: Merged into NewNowNext on June 29, 2015.
| Year | Event | Key Figure/Entity |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Michael Jensen becomes Editor-in-Chief | Michael Jensen |
| 2006 | Acquisition by Logo | Logo TV |
| 2011 | Dennis Ayers becomes Editor-in-Chief | Dennis Ayers |
| 2013 | Rebranded as TheBacklot.com | TheBacklot |
| 2015 | Merged with NewNowNext | Dan Avery (EIC) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Was TheBacklot affiliated with Elton John?
No, the site was not affiliated with Elton John. The original name, AfterElton, was a reference to the significance of Elton John coming out publicly.
Why did AfterElton change its name to TheBacklot?
The name change was intended to establish a unique identity separate from AfterEllen and to better highlight the site's focus on the Hollywood film and television industry.
Who owned TheBacklot before it merged with NewNowNext?
The site was owned by the cable television channel Logo, which had acquired it (and AfterEllen) in 2006.
What happened to TheBacklot in 2015?
On June 29, 2015, TheBacklot merged with NewNowNext, another LGBT entertainment site owned by Logo, resulting in the discontinuation of TheBacklot name.
What kind of content did the site publish?
The site focused on LGBT entertainment, publishing celebrity news, reviews, and recaps of shows featuring gay and bisexual characters, as well as specialized blogs like the "Meme" by Ed Kennedy.