Bill Dance Outdoors Joins Sportsman Channel in January 2015
OutdoorHub 07.16.14
The fishing empire of Bill Dance Outdoors has found a home with Sportsman Channel, where the iconic angler’s immensely popular TV show will debut on the outdoor lifestyle network in January 2015. Dance’s show is joining a Sportsman Channel line-up of award-winning fishing shows dedicated to helping anglers no matter what species or type of water preferred, including In-Fisherman, Addictive Fishing, Flats Class TV and more.
“No one else has built the empire that Bill Dance has,” said Graig Hale, vice president of business development for Sportsman Channel. “His legacy in fishing is like none other. Bill also has this special connection with his fans, it’s visible everywhere he goes, and we are thrilled to bring that connection into Sportsman Channel viewers’ homes. The addition of Bill and his show is another example of Sportsman’s commitment to deliver the best fishing content to the angling community.”
Known for talking to himself and the fish as much as he talks to the viewers on his TV show, Dance, 67, spends many hours on the water to get the necessary footage for his 26 shows. Another signature is his ever-present orange and white University of Tennessee hat – a trademark look for nearly 40 years.
“Fishing has been my life and it has afforded me the opportunity to meet the greatest people. I’ve had the good fortune to personally meet countless celebrities from all walks of life – even a couple U.S. presidents,” said Dance. “With that in mind, I’m sure viewers will see why I’m so pleased about the addition of my upcoming show Bill Dance Outdoors on Sportsman Channel.”
Bill Dance Outdoors will be a part of the network’s “Red, Wild & Blue America” initiative – where the American Spirit and the Great Outdoors are celebrated in equal measure. The network hosts “Rise & Reel Sundays” from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET, sponsored by Progressive with three consecutive hours of fishing shows including: Saltwater Experience, Into the Blue and Louisiana Outdoor Adventures.
Recently, Bill won the “Favorite Pro Legend” reader’s award from Game & Fish/Sportsman Magazine. Magazine publisher, Peter Gross, will present a crystal trophy to Dance at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) in Orlando.
Bill Dance Outdoors is the oldest, continuously running television show of the genre. The show has aired since 1968 with a primary focus on sport fishing. Hosted by America’s best known fisherman, audiences are treated to an educational, humorous and sometimes offbeat way of having fun with the fishing sport while learning about outdoor products from Dance. Well-known billboards of information and detailed professional graphics provide in-depth, but simple to understand, training about lures, balanced tackle, weather and seasonal conditions. These elements all come together to increase an angler’s chances for success when they hit the water.
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