Pursuit Channel Welcomes Anthem Media Group
OutdoorHub 01.10.13
Anthem Media Group has made a significant equity investment in the Pursuit Channel, America’s largest outdoor television network. The investment includes the purchase of shares from Treasury, resulting in a cash injection that will fund future Pursuit Channel growth initiatives including, increased distribution and expanded marketing and advertising sales efforts.
In addition to its position with Pursuit Channel, Anthem Media Group owns the Fight Network (www.fightnetwork.com), the world’s premier combat sports channel.
The investment by Anthem creates a strategic alliance between Fight Network, Pursuit Channel and Performance One Media, who is also a significant shareholder of Pursuit Channel. The three companies plan to work cooperatively in areas including marketing, distribution, advertising sales and operating efficiencies.
“We are thrilled to have Leonard Asper join and take an active role in helping to grow the Company,” said Rusty Faulk, CEO of Pursuit Channel. “Having owned and operated Canada’s largest media company and started or bought and managed dozens of conventional and cable TV networks in various parts of the world, Leonard brings a wealth of experience in growing businesses, which this network, its viewers and the industry that we serve will benefit from.” Faulk continued, “Leonard will serve on the Board of Directors alongside other knowledgeable business and television veterans, including Steve Smith, a driving force in the success of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.”
“We at Anthem considered many investment options and we felt that Pursuit represented an excellent opportunity to participate in the growth of a company on the rise in the hunting and fishing space, an area that is experiencing a consistent increase in popularity,” said Asper. “Pursuit is only going to improve its position as its audience grows, as Pursuit’s sister companies support its marketing efforts.”
Pursuit Channel has most recently announced dozens of new series starting January 2013, a website refresh and a new interstitial campaign that emphasizes the modern outdoors family. Additional growth initiatives will be revealed during the first half of 2013.
