Outdoor Channel Achieves Distribution Milestone in September
OutdoorHub 10.10.12
Growing Footprint Provides Even More Viewers with Access to Network’s Bolstered Programming Lineup
Outdoor Channel, America’s Leader In Outdoor TV, announced today that the network reached a notable distribution milestone in September 2012, experiencing an increase of more than one million new subscribers. Recent packaging upgrades on cable systems such as Comcast and RCN across regions like New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C. contributed to the network’s increased audience reach. The expansion of Outdoor Channel’s distribution footprint comes at a time when the network has activated a strategic programming effort that will drive an improved level of engagement among viewers.
“Outdoor Channel’s ongoing success in distribution is reflective of our network’s rising brand equity, our valued operator relationships and viewer demand for our leading, family-friendly outdoor entertainment,” said Tom Hornish, President and CEO, Outdoor Channel. “Our great distribution news is compounded by the network’s aggressive programming strategy, providing even more viewers with access to our new character- and competition-driven shows across our core hunting, fishing and shooting categories.”
Growing Number of Subscribers – Nationally and Internationally
Outdoor Channel’s banner subscriber gains in September make it one of the largest distribution growth months in the network’s 19 year history. Those increases have the network on pace to grow by nearly two million subscribers for the year. For the period 2008 – 2012, Outdoor Channel will have added 12 million subscribers through a combination of new launches and packaging upgrades, primarily involving repositioning the network from Sports Tiers to Digital Basic tiers. In total, more than 97 million cable, telco and satellite subscribers across the country have access to Outdoor Channel’s best-in-class programming in standard definition or HD, including those in all top 50 U.S. DMAs.
“Continued subscriber growth remains a key priority and an important component of Outdoor Channel’s long-term growth strategy,” said Randy Brown, Executive Vice President, Affiliate Sales and Marketing, Outdoor Channel. “Thanks to my sales teams’ drive, creativity, and teamwork, we are adding a significant number of new homes just in time for the fall hunting season and the premiere of several new original series. We look forward to continued exploration of new partnerships that will broaden our national, as well as international, distribution footprint as we strive to serve the outdoor entertainment needs of viewers in the U.S. and around the globe.”
Outdoor Channel launched overseas in August of 2010 and now reaches nearly six million full time international subscribers in over 45 countries through partnerships with London-based Chello Zone and Singapore-based Multi Channels Asia. Moreover, the network’s programming is available to 60 million digital pay TV households in China.
Comcast and RCN Package Upgrades
Outdoor Channel has expanded its relationship with Comcast in New York and Philadelphia DMAs. On September 27th, the cable network became available on XFINITY’s Digital Preferred Tier package to subscribers in Princeton, Jersey City, Meadowlands, Somerset, Union, Northwest and Southern New Jersey; Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Montgomery County and Eastern Pennsylvania; and throughout Delaware. Outdoor Channel has also broadened its relationship with RCN across New York City; Chicago; Philadelphia; Lehigh Valley, PA; Boston; and Washington, D.C. areas. Effective September 26th, the cable network was made available to subscribers via RCN’s Signature Package, a significant move to a highly penetrated tier that puts Outdoor Channel in good company with ESPN, CNN, Discovery and others. Moreover, subscribers of both systems in the aforementioned regions have access to Outdoor Channel HD. To find out how to view Outdoor Channel in your area, go to www.OutdoorChannel.com/ChannelFinder.
Outdoor Channel has unveiled its fourth quarter programming schedule, which includes brand new shows such as “MidwayUSA’s: Rapid Fire”, new episodes of programs, such as “Field & Stream’s Total Outdoorsman Challenge,” as well as returning favorites, like “Sasquatch” and “Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures.” Tune in this fall/winter, to catch outdoor all-stars and renowned celebrities like Craig Morgan, Ted Nugent, Shawn Michaels, Lee and Tiffany Lakosky and Laramy “Sasquatch” Miller, along with professional sporting organizations, like NASCAR and the Professional Bull Riders showcase their love of the outdoors. Please visit Outdoor Channel’s show schedule for further details: http://outdoorchannel.com/Schedule.aspx.
Outdoor Channel is available to RCN customers in New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington D.C. on Channel 358 and in HD on Channel 696. Additionally, RCN customers in Lehigh Valley, PA can find the network on Channel 414 and Outdoor Channel HD on Channel 1414. The network is also on XFINITY’s Digital Preferred Tier package to subscribers in Princeton, Jersey City, Meadowlands, Somerset, Union, Northwest and Southern New Jersey; Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Montgomery County and Eastern Pennsylvania; and throughout Delaware on Channel 728 and Outdoor Channel HD on Channel 1630.
