New Outdoor Service MANs Up
DirecTV Launches Maximum Adventure Network
By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 3/13/2008 12:08:00 PM
There’s a new player in the hunting/fishing/adventure field: Maximum Adventure Network.
After soft launching last month, Maximum Adventure Network, proffering programming from the realms of boating, all-terrain vehicles, four-wheeling and hunting and fishing, has rolled out on DirecTV’s basic tier at channel 608, according to executives at both parties.
Deal terms were not disclosed. However, MAN, which does not charge a license fee, allows carriers to share revenue splits from its transactional fare. A spokesman for the network said it is nearing deals with cable operators, as well as overseas distributors, without identifying any of the prospective affiliates.
MAN is led by founder and president Michael Klahr, who headed a similar service, Men’s Outdoors and Recreation Network, which at one point had distribution on Time Warner Cable, DirecTV and EchoStar Communication’s Dish Network. However, MOR’s parent, The Media Group, filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last summer, after EchoStar dropped MOR and its other programming services. The bankruptcy announcement came after Dish retained Google to be an ad sales rep. TMG, and its predecessor Turner Media Group, had previously served in that capacity for the satellite provider.
MAN currently offers 11 hours of programming daily, including such show as Relentless Pursuit, in which Tim Wells engages in Midwestern archery hunts, and Best of the West, dedicated to the finest fair chase hunting action. Other shows on MAN’s schedule: Southern Outdoor Experience, Sportsman of North America, TNT Outdoor Adventures, World of Hunting, Whitetail Properties, Wayne Burns Outdoor Allstars, and TV Travel Magazine.
“The Maximum Adventure Network is a channel for all MANkind, offering family-oriented programming from top outdoors television producers,” said Klahr in a statement. “We are pleased to launch MAN on a national platform, connecting nearly 17 million viewers with programming they are passionate about and delivering to viewers unique interactive television capabilities. MAN will guide viewers on where to go, what to wear, where to stay and what products work best.”
Noted DirecTV vice president of programming acquisitions Toby Berlin: “The Maximum Adventure Network enhances the value of our extensive selection of outdoors, sports and lifestyle programming while speaking to DirecTV viewers who are the most passionate about their programming choices.”
MAN joins Versus, Outdoor Channel, The Sportsman Channel, ESPN and FSN in the hunt for viewers that enjoy outdoors, hunting and fishing fare.
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