Outdoor Channel’s Biggest Summer Ever

TEMECULA, Calif., June 24, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –Outdoor Channel (Nasdaq: OUTD), America’s Leader in Outdoor TV, today unveiled its action-packed programming schedule for the third quarter (Q3) of 2010 beginning on June 28th. Filled with non-stop action and adventure with an emphasis on respect for the great outdoors, the Q3 lineup includes 13 brand new original shows, 71 season debuts of returning favorites, the biggest industry talent, the boldest outdoor producers and a powerful slate of celebrated entertainers. The introduction of Outdoor Channel’s latest programming roster coincides with the network’s 100 percent high definition (HD) launch; Outdoor Channel is the first and only full-time cable network in the outdoor category to broadcast every episode of every show in 100% native HD.

As part of its monumental third quarter programming slate, Outdoor Channel is launching a campaign dubbed the “Biggest Summer Ever!” to highlight its striking three-pronged theme of 100 percent native HD, a record number of new shows and season debuts and unmatched celebrity star-power.

“Outdoor Channel is simply the only entertainment option for the best in high quality, in-depth outdoor lifestyle content in 100% HD,” said Tom Hornish, COO at Outdoor Channel. “We are super-serving our audience this season with a rich slate of authentic hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road, adventure and conservation shows, offering advertisers the greatest opportunity to reach an attractive demographic and building on our 15-plus year brand history.”

From major league athletes to musicians to beauty queens, the network’s latest roster of new shows set to hit the air this summer features a diverse lineup of superstars showcasing their love of the outdoors alongside Outdoor Channel’s top talent. Country music singer/songwriter Craig Morgan, STAIND frontman Aaron Lewis, lead singer of country trio Rascal Flats Gary LeVox and former Miss USA beauty Kimberly Pressler are among the many celebrities coming to Outdoor Channel. Athletes are also well-represented in upcoming Outdoor Channel programs, like Major League Baseball (MLB) superstars Matt Duff, Chipper Jones, Ryan Langerhans, Adam LaRoche, Tom “Tombo” Martin and Adam Wainwright, as well as former UFC World Champion Tim Sylvia and World Champion Bull Rider J.W. Hart. The aforementioned celebrities will appear and star in a number of exclusive Outdoor Channel shows, including: “Buck Commander,” “Craig Morgan All Access,” “Dream Season Celebrity” and “Truck Academy.”

The “Biggest Summer Ever!” campaign will employ on-air and online promotional tactics; OutdoorChannel.com video spots; a themed Web page; online banner ads; magazine print and Web ads, along with placement in newsletters and direct marketing.

New Series:

Benelli on Assignment -Debuts Wednesday, June 30th at 5:00 p.m. ET

“Benelli on Assignment” features world-class bird shooting action and exciting big game adventure in pristine, and often remote, locations with top writers and photographers who are “on assignment.” The series teams brand marketing manager and host, Joe Coogan, with writers and photographers from the nation’s most recognized outdoor magazines, such as Outdoor Life, among others. Together, Coogan and his guests travel the globe to field test and showcase Benelli products at the world’s top hunting spots from Botswana’s incredible game-filled Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert to North America’s majestic mountain ranges, waterfowl-packed marshes, spectacular plains and prairies, and beyond.

Boone and Crockett Country -Debuts Sunday, July 4th at 10:00 a.m. ET

“Boone and Crockett Country(TM)” (B&CC) is a weekly hunting documentary celebrating the best in big game hunting and conservation in North America. Produced by the most widely respected name in big game records keeping, fair chase and conservation – Boone & Crockett – and presented by America’s Optics Authority(TM), B&CC explores all aspects of big game hunting from species biology, favored habitats, today’s best trophy destinations and the science of big game management. “Boone and Crockett Country” also delves into the time-honored, ethical traditions of recreational hunting.

Buck Commander protected by Under Armour – DebutsSaturday, July 3rd at 10:00 a.m. ET and 7:30 PM ET

This July, join former MLB superstars Matt Duff, Chipper Jones, Ryan Langerhans, Adam LaRoche and Tom “Tombo” Martin as they team up with “Boss Hogg” Willie Robertson from Outdoor Channel’s popular series “Benelli Presents Duck Commander” in a new show called “Buck Commander protected by Under Armour.” From batting practice to bow practice and outfield to in-the-field, every episode highlights the camaraderie, comedy and corporate antics of the six co-owners of the Buck Commander Company. For these six friends, the end of baseball season is only the beginning.

Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors- Debuts Saturday, July 3rd at 11:00 a.m. ET

“Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors” is new reality show that gives viewers an all access, backstage pass to country music sensation and diehard outdoorsman Craig Morgan. Whether he’s bowhunting big game, motocross racing or entertaining screaming fans at sold-out shows, Craig’s life is high-octane and his schedule is unrelenting. This hit new reality show gives viewers a first-hand pass to Craig’s travels, as he and his crew pursue big game, big thrills and big laughs across North America in a quest for the ultimate hunting adventures. Moreover, Craig’s fellow country music artists – as well as professional athletes and motocross celebrities – join him each week.

Dream Season Celebrity-Debuts Tuesday, June 29th at 10:30 p.m. ET

ScentBlocker(R) and Drury Outdoors(R) bring a different show to TV that challenges teams from athletes to music superstars to put their skill, desire and luck to the ultimate test in a head-to-head battle for deer-hunting supremacy. Watch as lead singer of the band STAIND Aaron Lewis, former UFC World Champion Tim Sylvia, World Champion Bull Rider J.W. Hart, and World Champion Pitcher Adam Wainwright compete in the reality hunting show, which features a bevy of impromptu twists and tests that raise the bar to epic proportions!

Field & Stream’s Gun Nuts presented by Smith & Wesson – Debuts Wednesday, June 30th at 9:30 p.m. ET

When it comes to rifles and shotguns, Field & Stream’s rifles field editor Dave Petzal and shotguns columnist Phil Boujaily are the real deal. They love them, study them, collect them, and they’re not afraid to tell viewers what they think about them! “Field & Stream’s Gun Nuts presented by Smith & Wesson,” is a wide open, cover the target, fill the ammo box, locked and loaded half-hour magazine series. Each week, Petzal and Bourjaily will educate, enlighten and entertain gun lovers of all ages with expert tips, how-to’s and field tests. The duo will also showcase the latest and greatest hardware, provide thorough retrospectives on classic shotguns and rifles, and more. And Field & Stream’s editor-at-large Eddie Nickens will also join in the fray to make sure your “Gun Nuts” questions get answered.

Jim Shockey’s The Professionals – Debuts Tuesday, June 29th at 7:00 p.m. ET

“Jim Shockey’s The Professionals” takes viewers behind the curtain and into the life and career of Jim Shockey, his support staff and production team — Corey Knowlton, Dan Goodenow, Todd Bissenden, Matt Gibson and Branlin Shockey. Each episode highlights the trials and tribulations that occur while traveling to the world’s most dangerous hunting destinations and the risks of political unrest in foreign lands, man-eating animals, deadly weather and more. You say you want to live the life of Jim Shockey? Well, “Jim Shockey’s The Professionals” shows the agony and the ecstasy that goes into being a professional big game outfitter and hunting legend with more than 200 big game species to his credit. It’s not always pretty, it’s not always glamorous, but it’s always unpredictable adventure. In the show’s first season, viewers can prepare for never-before-seen adventures to places like Ethiopia, the Russian Federation, the Aleutian Islands, the Republic of Zambia, the Republic of Uganda, the Yukon Territory and more.

Legends of the Fall – Debuts Sunday, July 4th at 11:00 p.m. ET

“Legends of the Fall” is produced with diehard deer hunters in mind. Featuring six Outdoor Channel “Dream Season” and “Bow Madness” hunters, “Legends of the Fall” chronicles the high-energy hunts and behind-the-scenes action of a dedicated crew of passionate hunters. Shot in a format similar to the hit series “24,” each episode details the lives of the group in their tireless, year-round pursuit of all things whitetail. While the show spotlights a dynamic variety of adrenaline-pumping whitetail bow hunts across North America, it also offers a mix of other big game adventures. From shed hunting and food plot planting to pre-season scouting and the harvesting of giant trophies, “Legends of the Fall” promises to feed every viewer’s hunting addiction.

Mathews’ Dominant Bucks presented by Mathews Archery – Debuts Sunday, July 4th at 6:30 p.m. ET

Join whitetail hunting expert and outdoor legend Stan Potts as he explores the world of hunting in “Mathews’ Dominant Bucks.” With 40 years of buck hunting experience and four 200-class whitetails to his credit, Potts dives into his tactics and strategies to successfully find, pattern and harvest giant whitetails with his bow. Proudly presented by Mathews Archery, the show is supported by a cast of expert hunters while patterning and hunting monster bucks in hidden areas — and self-taping the hunts as not to disturb these wary giants. Potts and his team strive to teach viewers the what, where, when, how and why of trophy buck hunting, with tactics that include using maps, gaining permission, speed scouting, digital trail camera secrets, patterning tips and setting stands. Also featured are “in the field” hunts that include all aspects of finding trophy whitetails up to and including “over the shoulder” bow impacts.

The Season with Justin Martin – Debuts Saturday, July 3rd at 8:30 p.m. ET

Follow world champion professional archer Justin Martin as he pursues another title and the next great hunt. Viewer will watch as Martin juggles the duties of everyday life as a husband, homebuilder, hunter and professional archer. Whether he’s travelling across the country in chase of a big buck or a tournament win, the 2003 Buckmasters World Champion (and former Auburn University kicker) must deal with the real-life responsibilities of having a family, a career and an incredible passion for everything outdoors.

Truck Academy- Debuts Monday, June 28th at 9:00 p.m. ET

“Truck Academy” is an Outdoor Channel original series that takes a “do-it-yourself” angle on everyday upgrading and maintenance of pickup trucks and off-road vehicles. Hosted by former Miss USA beauty Kimberly Pressler, “Truck Academy” highlights a group of real auto-tech students as they learn everything from getting a vehicle ready for hunting season to turning a farm truck into a respectable 4×4 off-roader. The show steers clear of pricey and out-of-reach upgrades, opting instead for affordable fixes and improvements that the average hard-working person can do him or herself with little or no assistance.

Wanna Go Fishing? – Debuts Friday, July 2nd at 10:00 p.m. ET

“Wanna Go Fishing?” host Matt Eastman picks a random individual to join him on an all-expenses-paid fishing trip of a lifetime. While the jets and boats are standing by, the potential guest has five minutes and two phone calls to decide if they “got the guts to go.” The compelling series travels to the finest fishing locations on earth and the journey often becomes a life changing experience for its lucky guest. “Wanna’ Go Fishing?” is a two-time Emmy Award winner for Best Sports Series and Best On-Camera Talent.

Gold Tip’s 4CE – Debuts Thursday, July 1st at 7:00 p.m. ET

“Gold Tip’s 4CE” (4CE pronounced “Force”) is defined as a movement that makes a difference by carrying on the traditions and freedoms that American Sportsmen value and live by. The right to bear arms, keeping “In God We Trust”, and the privilege of feeding one’s own family self-harvested game. Simple freedoms that many take for granted and may soon be taken away. “The 4CE,” will be regularly hosted by three friends who happen to be lifelong hunters and outdoorsmen – Jim Burnworth, Ray Bunney and Keith Mark. The fourth host will be a different guest each week that will accompany the others on their adventures. Each episode will have its own unique way of showing the viewer how they can make a difference, whether it be taking children hunting, teaching an archery class or feeding the homeless. “Gold Tips the 4CE” will also be teaching conservation as the show educates the viewer on quality management programs through ethical hunting practices. These amazing journeys will include big game hunting across the U.S., in addition to heading to New Zealand and Africa for some big game action and Canada and Mexico for some big bucks.

Outdoor Channel has a comprehensive online component. Information on individual programs, hosts, and upcoming episodes are housed on OutdoorChannel.com, including an extensive video library, an interactive community section (http://myoutdoorchannel.com/), and full social media functionality on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OutdoorChannel) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/OutdChannel). For the full Q3 programming schedule, please visit: http://outdoorchannel.com/Schedule.aspx.

About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.

Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OUTD) owns and operates Outdoor Channel, America’s leader in outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of America’s largest and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Winnercomm also owns and operates the patented Skycam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information please visit www.outdoorchannel.com.

SOURCE Outdoor Channel