Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel & World Fishing Network's 2015-16 Upfronts Deliver Riveting Adventure

Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks Division Showcases the Breadth and Power of the Outdoor Lifestyle

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Apr 27, 2015, 10:00 ET

DENVER, April 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A subsidiary of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), Outdoor Sportsman Group today revealed its 2015-16 Upfront plans to the advertising community for its Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks division, which is comprised of Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network. Hosting Upfront events in Chicago and New York, the three networks will reinforce their definitive leadership role as the world's foremost media and entertainment brands for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

Outdoor Sportsman Group represents the largest multimedia portfolio in the world dedicated to the growing outdoor lifestyle. KSE acquired a 50 percent interest in World Fishing Network in January 2011. The company later purchased Outdoor Channel Holdings in May 2013 and Sportsman Channel's parent company, InterMedia Outdoors Holdings, in November 2014. The three networks are led by President and CEO Jim Liberatore.

At the aforementioned Upfront events, as well as in roadshow presentations nationwide, Jason Brist, executive vice president of advertising sales, and his team will showcase the networks' unique relationship with their loyal audiences, in addition to the opportunities that lie ahead to entertain, inform and engage the 130 million-plus active outdoor adventure participants and armchair observers in the U.S. This trio of networks offers advertisers the greatest opportunity to reach thrill-seekers, adrenaline junkies, hunters, anglers, marksmen, and beyond with one of the largest concentrations in the key demographic of males 25-54. The brands have a rich heritage in delivering on their promise to celebrate the spirit of adventure through their robust spectrum of entertainment, and serve as inspiration to experience a wild and engaging lifestyle.

"Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network have a powerful level of engagement with audiences through our linear networks, HD channels, on-demand portals, websites and apps that is fundamentally different and more impactful than our competitors," said Liberatore. "No other networks offering adventure entertainment can leverage multiple platforms to create powerful, contextual consumer-focused marketing solutions like we can. We continue to get positive feedback from advertisers, including top national brands in new categories that are seeing the notable results of working with us."

Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network present flexible and creative alternatives that go beyond traditional TV screens, such as TV Everywhere and over-the-top (OTT) offerings. The three brands also present a winning cross-platform solution for ad partners that are interested in engaging with fans in the digital, mobile and social spaces. As a compliment to the brands' multiscreen presence, advertisers can also tap into Outdoor Sportsman Group's established Outdoor Sportsman Group Integrated Media arm, which includes 17 of the most trusted publishing and digital brands in the industry, including Petersen's Bowhunting, North American Whitetail and Fly Fisherman, among others. Other integration opportunities include branded entertainment, sponsorships, product placements and stunts, making the brands a strategic part of a well-rounded media plan. Advertisers can leverage these as a vehicle to connect with passionate outdoor audiences on a national level, as well as at regional and local levels, ensuring a strong foothold in crucial markets across the U.S.

"Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network viewers are a diverse, passionate, media savvy and receptive segment of American consumers with spending power. In turn, that spending contributes hundreds of billions to the U.S. economy," commented Brist. "We've made dramatic strides in elevating our audience's experience, on-air, online and on-the-go, and have created smart, ROI-driven marketing opportunities that truly resonate with those that choose to make outdoor pursuits a way of life; you can't 'buy around' our highly engaged audience."

The three brands offer deeply immersive content that shares the unmatched thrills and powerful journeys of the outdoors through the eyes of renowned celebrities, musicians, athletes and outdoor personalities, such as: Jim and Eva Shockey, Willie Robertson, Joe Mantegna, Theresa Vail, Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, Michael Waddell, Shawn Michaels, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Zac Brown, R. Lee Ermey, Lt. Colonel Oliver North, Tom Brokaw, Gerald McRaney, Huey Lewis, Jared Jeffries, Kevin VanDam, Mark Zona, Steven Rinella, Easton Corbin, Mike Pyle, and beyond. Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network refresh their programming quarterly with new and returning original series, unveiling a wide range of reality-based, character-driven, competition-intensive and instructive programming. The networks are working with talented producers on new series and development projects are underway for the remainder of 2015 into 2016 to further underscore the networks' commitment to a gripping content pipeline.

About Outdoor Sportsman Group
Outdoor Sportsman Group is a division of KSE Media Ventures, LLC, a subsidiary of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) and the corporate management entity for KSE's outdoor-related multichannel network, publishing and digital media assets. The Group is comprised of Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and a 50 percent interest in World Fishing Network; 15 market leading outdoor magazines, such as Guns & Ammo, Petersen's Bowhunting and Florida Sportsman; and 17 top websites, including BassFan.com. The division also includes KSE's television production operations, including Winnercomm.

About Outdoor Channel
Outdoor Channel has been taking viewers across America and around the world on unparalleled adventures since 1993. Dedicated to the outdoor lifestyle and conservation, the independent cable network is a division of Outdoor Sportsman Group and provides a complete spectrum of riveting hunting, fishing, shooting and adventure entertainment. Outdoor Channel is received by nearly 40 million U.S. households – the largest outdoor TV footprint in the country – and is available in more than 50 countries internationally. Outdoor Channel can be viewed in HD and is accessible by broadband and mobile platforms. For program times and other information, visit www.outdoorchannel.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and download our iPhone and iPad app. #WhatGetsYouOutdoors

About Sportsman Channel
Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel/Sportsman HD is a television and digital media company fully devoted to honoring a lifestyle that is celebrated by millions of Americans. A division of Outdoor Sportsman Group, Sportsman Channel delivers entertaining and informative programming that showcases outdoor adventure, hunting and fishing, and illustrates it through unique and authentic storytelling. Sportsman Channel embraces the attitude of "Red, Wild & Blue America" – where the American Spirit and Great Outdoors are celebrated in equal measure. Sportsman Channel reaches more than 34 million U.S. television households. Stay connected to Sportsman Channel online at thesportsmanchannel.com, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About World Fishing Network
World Fishing Network is North America's only television network, online and mobile platform dedicated exclusively to fishing and outdoor enthusiasts with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more. World Fishing Network's programming lineup includes a selection of the best international series and the most diverse species coverage of any TV channel. Featuring popular programs hosted by some of the top anglers from North America and across the globe, World Fishing Network offers a variety of exclusive lifestyle shows that appeal to a broad and diverse audience. Anchored by one of the top fishing websites, WorldFishingNetwork.com, the network's multimedia platforms also include mobile portals for iPhone, iPad and Android, enabling anglers to stay connected wherever they go. World Fishing Network and World Fishing Network HD are available to more than 58 million cable, satellite and telecommunications households throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

SOURCE Outdoor Channel