Category Archives: Featured

Outdoor Sportsman Group’s Mike Williams Promoted to Senior Vice President of Outdoor Sportsman Group Digital

Posted on July 13, 2017July 27, 2017 by Jessyca Sortillon

Mike Williams, Senior Vice President of Outdoor Sportsman Group Digital

DENVER (July 13, 2017) – Outdoor Sportsman Group (OSG) announces the promotion of Mike Williams to Senior Vice President of Outdoor Sportsman Group Digital. Previously, Williams served as the Vice President of Digital Media and has helped spearhead the creation and distribution of the company’s new MyOutdoorTV outdoor global subscription video on-demand service. The announcement was made today by CEO and President of Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks, Jim Liberatore.

Williams is focused on improving the user experience and implementing solutions that elevate brand image and drive revenues at Outdoor Sportsman Group. He brings more than 30 years of experience in exploiting advanced technologies in the fields of engineering, computer science and web development. Among recent achievements, he led the domestic and international deployment of Outdoor Sportsman Group’s MyOutdoorTV app across multiple platforms.

Williams also serves as Chief Information Officer at Winnercomm, where he leads all interactive and internal CMS functions for the content production company. Previously, he was Director of Engineering at SkyCam, where he led the complete refurbishment of the mobile aerial camera company’s engineering and operating systems. Earlier in his career, he was Executive Director of Williams Communications Group.

“We are lucky to have someone of Mike’s stature and experience on our team,” Liberatore said. “His knowledge of advanced technologies and web-related development, as well as programming, is a key component as our company grows and diversifies globally through technology.”

Williams is a graduate of Weber State College where he studied electronic engineering.

About Outdoor Sportsman Group: Outdoor Sportsman Group is comprised of the world’s foremost media and entertainment brands for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It includes three leading multichannel networks: Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network, as well as MOTV, the world’s leading outdoor television content platform. The Group also consists of numerous established integrated media assets: 15 outdoor magazines including Guns & Ammo, Petersen’s Bowhunting and Florida Sportsman, and 19 top websites, including BassFan.com. Additionally, Outdoor Sportsman Group includes television production operations, Winnercomm.

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Outdoor Sportsman Group’s MyOutdoorTV Acquires Exclusive Content To Popular Fishing Show ‘Spanish Fly’

Posted on July 12, 2017October 3, 2017 by Jessyca Sortillon

Seventeen years of Captain Jose Wejebe’s Content is Part of
Continued Wave of Acquisitions for New Global Subscription Service MOTV

DENVER (July 12, 2017) – Outdoor Sportsman Group (OSG) has acquired the programming library of fishing legend Captain Jose Wejebe for its outdoor global subscription video on-demand service MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Outdoor Sportsman Group obtained 59 episodes from 17 years of programming from the renowned Wejebe Spanish Fly library.

On April 6, 2012, the fishing world lost Captain Jose Wejebe. Wejebe launched Spanish Fly in 1995 and the series became instantly popular for passionate anglers. Wejebe was a pioneer of high-quality fishing television and was an integral part in the development of the booming light-tackle industry.

“In many respects, Jose created the format for modern fishing shows; he was competent, enthusiastic and entertaining,” Outdoor Sportsman Group Vice President of Programming, Mitch Petrie said. “While Jose has left us, his legacy, the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation, and his library for Spanish Fly, remain.”

The acquisition of exclusive Spanish Fly content is part of Outdoor Sportsman Group’s initiative to partner with its best-in-class producers and talent to endeavor to populate the outdoor lifestyle industry with content for linear, digital, print and mobile platforms. Further, OSG has obtained the rights to new original programming from future productions that will become available exclusively on MOTV in the next several years. This is the first time in the history of outdoor lifestyle television that an industry leader – Outdoor Sportsman Group – has committed to vigorously develop and grow its content domestically and globally.

“We are excited to provide exclusive access of Spanish Fly to MOTV subscribers and look forward to adding new episodes including some never before seen behind-the-scenes footage,” said Krissy Wejebe, daughter of Jose Wejebe.

OSG is a proud sponsor of the Jose Wejebe Foundation (www.josewejebefoundation.org).

MyOutdoorTV, launched globally in June 2017, is the new outdoor global subscription video on-demand service from Outdoor Sportsman Group created just for outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. The subscriber-based service can be found in the Apple iTunes and Android (Google Play) App stores for users around the world. The retail price of MOTV is (US) $9.99 per month or (US) $99.99 annually and includes a seven-day free trial period.

The global subscription-based video-on-demand service provides the best outdoor programming, lifestyle content and access to favorite Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network television shows and is the pre-eminent voice for all outdoor enthusiasts. MOTV – powered by the three networks – accomplishes this with an expansive acquired library of the best hunting, fishing and shooting programming in long and short form, recipes, tips and tricks, how-to instructional videos, as well as educational and exclusive content focusing on improving success in the field and waterways. Along with the three networks, content is available from Outdoor Sportsman Group’s established integrated media arm that includes 15 outdoor magazines, such as: Guns & Ammo, Game & Fish, In-Fisherman, Florida Sportsman and Wheels Afield and 19 top websites, including: BassFan.com. Exclusive episodes, as well as live event coverage and behind-the-scenes footage will be added in the future.

For more on MyOutdoorTV please visit: www.motv.com. #MYOUTDOORTV

About Outdoor Sportsman Group: Outdoor Sportsman Group is comprised of the world’s foremost media and entertainment brands for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It includes three leading multichannel networks: Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network, as well as MOTV, the world’s leading subscription outdoor television content platform. The Group also consists of a number of established integrated media assets: 15 outdoor magazines including: Guns & Ammo, Petersen’s Bowhunting and Florida Sportsman, and 19 top websites, including: BassFan.com. Additionally, Outdoor Sportsman Group includes television production operations, Winnercomm.

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Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks Mourns the Passing of Rick Carone

Posted on June 29, 2017June 29, 2017 by Jessyca Sortillon

NEW YORK (June 29, 2017) – Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks is saddened by the news of the death of Rick Carone. Carone, a respected member of the outdoor lifestyle community and Outdoor Sportsman Group, passed away after a long, hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Carone, 46, recently appeared on Sportsman Channel’s Sheep Shape in which four hunter/athletes explored their personal struggles in everyday life while preparing and embarking on a hunting excursion of a lifetime in the mountains of Alaska, the Yukon and Northwest Territories for Dall/Fannin sheep. Throughout the show, Carone was dealing with cancer treatment.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Rick Carone’s passing,” Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks Vice President of Programming, Mitch Petrie said. “Rick lived his life to the fullest and chose to focus on participating in a lifestyle that brought him joy, happiness and a sense of connection. That infectious attitude and spirit will be missed.”

Carone was a former professional baseball player in the Chicago White Sox organization before coming to outdoor lifestyle television. Following his baseball career, he was introduced into the hunting industry and connected with Willie Robertson and his show Buck Commander (Outdoor Channel). Carone served as the show’s field editor and videographer.

In May 2013, Rick was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer and given a 15 percent chance of survival beyond one year. Rick leaves behind two teenage daughters.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Tom Caraccioli | Outdoor Sportsman Group | 212.852.6646 | Tom.Caraccioli@OutdoorSG.com

World Fishing Network Free Previews Available on Dish Network This Summer

Posted on June 28, 2017July 26, 2017 by Jessyca Sortillon

WHO: World Fishing Network, a division of Outdoor Sportsman Group – Networks, home of the world’s largest aggregator and content provider of outdoor lifestyle programming, and DISH Network.

WHAT: World Fishing Network will be a part of a free preview offered to DISH customers this summer. From Thursday, July 6 until Tuesday, August 1, viewers can tune-in to Channel 394 to access World Fishing Network, the leading cable network dedicated to all-things fishing.

Full episodes of select popular programming from the network also will be available on demand to all DISH subscribers on DISH Studio Channel 102.

World Fishing Network

Major League Fishing’s General Tire All Angles – An exciting series telling the story of Major League Fishing’s bass fishing competition from a whole new perspective. In this episode, featuring exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content, learn how the pros played the game in Sudden Death Round 1 of the 2017 Challenge Cup.
BigWater Adventures – Mark Davis is the consummate outdoorsman. Having fished and hunted all over the world, Mark lives and breathes the lifestyle and tries to get inside a fish’s head the only way he knows how – by getting in the water with them and seeing how they see. From East Coast, West Coast to Gulf Coast, BigWater Adventures features more than 50 species of fresh and saltwater species – billfish, tuna, wahoo, dorado, mackerel, shark, grouper, redfish, stripers and more. If it plies the coastal currents or the deep streams in pelagic paradise, Mark will be hot on its trail.
The Seahunter – A premiere saltwater fishing show about offshore and inshore fishing, light tackle fishing techniques and the unique areas surrounding the fishing destination.
Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show – Fishing is inherently unscripted, unpredictable and humorous, just like Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show. In each episode, Mark Zona will fish with the very best anglers on the planet to catch anything with fins.

For additional information, please visit http://www.wfnfreepreview.com/.

WHY: World Fishing Network, along with sister networks Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel, are premier outdoor lifestyle cable networks, serving the needs of tens of millions of hunting, shooting, fishing and outdoor enthusiasts in the U.S. Recently, all three networks unveiled their third quarter programming slate, which are anchored by new original programming, returning favorites and lauded series, including two anticipated new shows titled: Charlie Moore: No Offense and The Seahunter.

WHERE: World Fishing Network free preview can be found on Channel 394. For full episodes of the networks’ hit shows on demand, check out DISH Studio Channel 102.

WHEN: World Fishing Network | Thursday, July 6 through Tuesday, August 1

HOW: Customers interested in adding World Fishing Network to their channel line-up can call DISH toll free at 1-855-624-2426 or visit www.mydish.com/perks/free-preview to learn more about the free previews.

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Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks Suspends Bill Busbice, Jr. and ‘Wildgame Nation’ After Charges in Wyoming

Posted on June 27, 2017October 3, 2017 by Jessyca Sortillon

NEW YORK (June 27, 2017) – Following charges of poaching an elk in La Barge Creek, Wyoming, Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks has suspended the show Wildgame Nation and host Bill Busbice, Jr. from appearing on Outdoor Channel. The announcement was made today by Jim Liberatore, CEO and President of Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks. The suspension is effective immediately.

“Outdoor Sportsman Group is committed to legal and ethical hunting,” said Liberatore. “We have strict policies and procedures in place that require all of our talent and producers to abide by all hunting regulations. We hold our employees to the highest of standards in order to ensure that we are effectively serving the outdoor community. As a result of the recent charges in Wyoming involving Bill Busbice, Jr., we have suspended the show and Busbice indefinitely from Outdoor Channel.”

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 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. #WhatGetsYouOutdoors. #MyOutdoorTV

About Outdoor Sportsman Group: Outdoor Sportsman Group is comprised of the world’s foremost media and entertainment brands for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It includes three leading multichannel networks: Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network, as well as MOTV, the world’s leading outdoor television content platform. The Group also consists of numerous established integrated media assets: 15 outdoor magazines including: Guns & Ammo, Petersen’s Bowhunting and Florida Sportsman, and 19 top websites, including: BassFan.com. Additionally, Outdoor Sportsman Group includes television production operations, Winnercomm.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Tom Caraccioli, Outdoor Sportsman Group, P: 212.852.6646, tcaraccioli@thesportsmanchannel.com

Outdoor Channel Acquires Cable Syndication Rights to Air First Six Seasons of Discovery Channel’s Hit Show ‘Deadliest Catch’

Posted on June 23, 2017October 3, 2017 by Jessyca Sortillon

DENVER (June 23, 2017) – While Deadliest Catch^® continues to keep viewers enthralled with original episodes on Discovery Channel, these veteran captains have found a new syndicated home – Outdoor Channel. Announced today by Jim Liberatore, CEO and President of Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks, Outdoor Channel has acquired the cable syndication rights to air the first six seasons – including 82 episodes – of Deadliest Catch.

“We are thrilled about acquiring the cable syndicated rights to the first six seasons of Deadliest Catch for Outdoor Channel and look forward to bringing the excitement of these episodes to our viewers,” said Liberatore. “If ever there was programming that captures the thrill and adventure of the outdoors, this is it. Deadliest Catch is a compelling series for our core hunt/shoot/fish audience, as well as a broader audience seeking adventure programming.”

For more than 12 years, the fisherman of Deadliest Catch have faced hurricane force winds, heavy-machinery, massive icebergs and 40-foot waves in documenting their adventure-filled lifestyle and vocation. Narrated by Mike Rowe, this 16-time Emmy Award-winning series details the mortal perils, injuries and intense discomfort that fishing crews overcome in the Bering Sea catching Alaska king crab. Currently in its 13th season, Deadliest Catch airs Tuesdays at 9 pm ET/PT on Discovery and follows the fleet as they search for crab that have seemingly vanished due to temperature changes in the Bering Sea

Deadliest Catch is produced for Discovery Channel by Original Productions, a FremantleMedia company. Original Productions executive producers are: Thom Beers, Philip David Segal, Sarah Whalen, R. Decker Watson, Jr., Arom Starr-Paul and Geoff Miller. Discovery Channel executive producer is Joseph Boyle with Coordinating Producer Brian Peterson.

The acquisition of rights to these iconic shows continue to serve as a springboard to showcase Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks’ original series including: Carter’s W.A.R., Hollywood Weapons, Survival Science, to name a few.

Check local listings or visit www.OutdoorChannel.com/ChannelFinder to find Outdoor Channel in your area.

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 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. #WhatGetsYouOutdoors #AdventureToGo

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Outdoor Sportsman Group’s ‘MyOutdoorTV’ Acquires Exclusive Content

Posted on June 21, 2017October 3, 2017 by Jessyca Sortillon

NEW YORK (June 20, 2017) – Outdoor Sportsman Group (OSG) has acquired the programming library of world-renowned outdoor lifestyle television personality and producer Jim Shockey and the award-winning Shockey Productions for its outdoor global subscription video on-demand service MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Outdoor Sportsman Group obtained more than 15 years, 420 episodes and 250+ hours of programming from the legendary Shockey library.

The acquisition of exclusive content from the Shockey library – Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures, Jim Shockey’s The Professionals and Jim Shockey’s UNCHARTED – is part of Outdoor Sportsman Group’s initiative to partner with its best-in-class producers and talent to endeavor to populate the outdoor lifestyle industry with content for linear, digital, print and mobile platforms. Further, OSG has obtained the rights to new original programming from future productions that will become available exclusively on MOTV in the next several years. This is the first time in the history of outdoor lifestyle television that an industry leader – Outdoor Sportsman Group – has committed to vigorously develop and grow its content domestically and globally.

“I’m extremely proud to be able to entrust my personal video legacy to Outdoor Sportsman Group,” said Shockey. “Outdoor Channel was my first and has always been the only home for Shockey television productions during my entire career. OSG represents the best in the business, as further evidenced by what they’ve developed in MyOutdoorTV. Together, this helps us reach more potential hunters and outdoorsmen and women with our positive message of healthy, honest, outdoors adventure and conservation.”

“We realize having partnerships with our talent and producers, combined with our networks and publications, gives us a unique opportunity to aggregate the best content the outdoor industry has to offer,” said CEO and President of Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks, Jim Liberatore. “As a result, we can showcase our library of amazing talent and content domestically and internationally. There is no better person to start promoting our exclusive position and global expansion than internationally-renowned Jim Shockey.”

For more on MyOutdoorTV please visit: www.motv.com. #MYOUTDOORTV

About Outdoor Sportsman Group: Outdoor Sportsman Group is comprised of the world’s foremost media and entertainment brands for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It includes three leading multichannel networks: Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network, as well as MOTV, the world’s leading subscription outdoor television content platform. The Group also consists of a number of established integrated media assets: 15 outdoor magazines including: Guns & Ammo, Petersen’s Bowhunting and Florida Sportsman, and 19 top websites, including: BassFan.com. Additionally, Outdoor Sportsman Group includes television production operations, Winnercomm.

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Outdoor Sportsman Group’s Bill Osborn Promoted to Executive Vice President of Networks Group

Posted on June 19, 2017July 27, 2017 by Jessyca Sortillon

DENVER (June 19, 2017) – Outdoor Sportsman Group (OSG) announces the promotion of Bill Osborn to Executive Vice President of Networks Group. Previously, Osborn served as the Senior Vice President of Marketing and joined the company in July 2013. The announcement was made today by CEO and President of Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks, Jim Liberatore.

Osborn is a cable industry veteran with more than two decades of marketing and operations experience with an emphasis on network launches and rebrands. In his new role, Osborn will manage day-to-day operations, marketing, programming and research. In addition, Osborn will oversee the launch and day-to-day operations of another soon-to-be-announced marketing entity for Outdoor Sportsman Group.

“As our group continues to grow and find new business opportunities domestically and globally, we are fortunate to have someone with Bill’s experience to step up and shoulder some of the increasing load,” expressed Liberatore.

Before joining Outdoor Sportsman Group, Osborn worked directly for media pioneer Mark Cuban as Senior Vice President at AXS TV (formerly HDNet), where he headed marketing, on-air promotion, affiliate and ad sales marketing, branding, strategy and research. He also was part of the team that developed Magnolia Pictures’ movies on-demand marketing platform, featuring the revolutionary distribution of feature films on-demand before premiering in theaters.

Osborn’s other professional experiences include service as Senior Vice President of Marketing for Fox Sports Media Group’s SPEED Channel, where he headed marketing, on-air promotion, public relations, licensing and merchandising. Osborn played a key role in the successful launch of one of the nation’s largest cable television sports networks – Fox Sports Net – as well as help in development of Prime Sports, the Health Network, NewSport and Prime Sports Radio.

Osborn is a graduate of Southern Methodist University. He resides in Denver, CO with his wife and son.

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Outdoor Channel Delivers Record Breaking First Quarter

Posted on June 14, 2017July 27, 2017 by Jessyca Sortillon

Major League Fishing and All Angles Delivers 12 of the top 15 Programs on Outdoor Channel During 1Q 2017

DENVER (June 14, 2017) – Outdoor Channel continues to show ratings strength as the No. 1 top-growing basic cable network with Adults 18-34 (up +103%) and Men 18-34 (up +67%) during Total Day in the first quarter of 2017 compared to one year ago.

During Q1 2017, Outdoor Channel grew its coverage ratings during Total Day with Persons 2+ (+1%), Men 18-34 (+67%), Adults 18-34 (+103%) and Adults 18-49 (+5%) from a year ago. The outdoor lifestyle network delivered its highest first quarter ratings in seven years (1Q2011 to 1Q2017) during total day with Adults 18-34 and Men 18-34.

Outdoor Channel’s ratings success was led by programming related to fishing as the network’s Major League Fishing and All Angles accounted for 12 of the top 15 programs on the network in 1Q2017. The two shows were also the top seven programs on the network during the quarter. MLF’s popularity stems from the show’s unique format which features all competitors knowing where they stand and how other competitors are doing in real time via in-boat iPads.

“As we continue to invest significant resources to support and grow this unique and exciting series, we are excited to see the continued growth of Major League Fishing,” said CEO and President of Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks, Jim Liberatore. “It has been amazing to watch this series grow year-after-year.”

“We’re thrilled to once again have top programming with both Major League Fishing and the sister program General Tire All Angles,” said Major League Fishing General Manager, Jim Wilburn. “We reach an incredible audience of dedicated anglers through Outdoor Channel and hope to continue to grow the sport of bass fishing through these shows and our partnership with the 50 outstanding professional anglers who make it possible.”

About Major League Fishing: Developed through a joint effort between Outdoor Channel and two dozen premier bass fishing anglers in 2011, Major League Fishing brings the high-intensity sport of competitive bass fishing into America’s living rooms in the form of riveting two-hour TV episodes. Twenty-four world-class anglers are filmed over the course of a six-day event. The show captures their efforts as they utilize a demanding format that allows them to weigh all the “scorable bass” they catch. Unlike other competitive fishing events, live leaderboards in the boats allow anglers to know their standings at all times. For more information about the game, visit www.majorleaguefishing.com and follow Major League Fishing on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook.

About Outdoor Sportsman Group: Outdoor Sportsman Group is comprised of the world’s foremost media and entertainment brands for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It includes three leading multichannel networks: Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network, as well as MOTV, the world’s leading outdoor television content platform. The Group also consists of a number of established integrated media assets: 15 outdoor magazines including Guns & Ammo, Petersen’s Bowhunting and Florida Sportsman, and 19 top websites, including BassFan.com. Additionally, Outdoor Sportsman Group includes television production operations Winnercomm. For more information, visit www.outdoorsg.com. #MyOutdoorTV

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Hollywood Weapons – NEW Outdoor Channel Original Series

Posted on January 3, 2017January 4, 2017 by Artem Kovalyk

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