Sportsman Channel – “Official Network of The Iditarod” – To Air Live National Coverage of Famed Race’s Ceremonial Start on March 7 at 1:30 p.m. ET
March 4, 2015First hour of 2015 Iditarod airs live for first time ever in “Lower 48” and Hawaii
NEW BERLIN, WI (March 4, 2015) – Sportsman Channel – Official Network of the Iditarod – will present live coverage of the ceremonial start of the 2015 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race from Anchorage, Alaska on March 7 at 1:30 p.m. ET. The coverage will be the first time in the history of the event that a national television network will broadcast the ceremonial start of the race live to the “Lower 48” states, as well as Hawaii.
“Sportsman Channel is excited for viewers across America to be able to experience the sights, sounds and history of the Iditarod’s ceremonial start live as it unfolds,” said Marc Fein, executive vice president of programming and production for Sportsman Channel. “The ability to deliver this televised event for the first time ever to the ‘Lower 48’ and Hawaii is another milestone for the network in providing the most engaging experience we can for our Red, Wild and Blue audience.”
“National, live-televised coverage of the start of this iconic race will give viewers a true sense of the magnitude of this grueling American outdoor spectacle,” said Stan Hooley, CEO of the Iditarod Trail Committee. “The imagination of viewers will be piqued as they watch 79 teams leaving the starting line and are left wondering what adventures lie ahead over the next 10-14 days.”
As the Official Network of The Iditarod, Sportsman Channel will exclusively showcase the dramatic stories of “The Last Great Race On Earth.” Following the special March 7 live coverage, Sportsman Channel will air a full slate of programming – with extensive print, digital and social media activation –including Iditarod Unleashed beginning on March 19 and culminating with the 2015 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on April 2.
The Iditarod renewed its exclusive national television partnership with Sportsman Channel for the 2015 race. Iditarod Productions will continue to produce the annual sled dog spectacle and provide extensive, in-depth coverage, video and updates through a robust online platform for Sportsman Channel and The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race websites.
The 2015 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race will begin on March 7 in Anchorage, Alaska. The CBS affiliate in Anchorage (KTVA) will share its feed with Sportsman Channel for the live coverage. For more information go to: www.thesportsmanchannel.com or become an Iditarod Insider at www.iditarod.com/insider/.
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 KSE Outdoor 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 36 million U.S. television households. Stay connected to Sportsman Channel online at thesportsmanchannel.com, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
********
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tom Caraccioli, Sportsman Channel, P: 212.852.6646; tcaraccioli@thesportsmanchannel.com
