Outdoor Channel Inks Time Warner Cable Extension
Multiyear Renewal Covers Standard, HD Feeds, VOD Fare
Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 4/7/2009 4:28:52 PM
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. has reached a multiyear renewal with Time Warner Cable.
The deal, terms of which were not disclosed, covers Outdoor Channel's standard and high-definition feeds, as well as an array of video-on-demand programming. Outdoor Channel counts some 30 million subscribers, according to Nielsen Media Research estimates.
"We are excited to have reached this multiyear agreement with one of our largest distribution partners," said Tom Hornish, COO of Outdoor Channel Holdings, in a statement. "This agreement enables us to continue providing our category leading content to outdoor enthusiasts nationwide as well as drive our high-definition network and video-on-demand content."The announcement of the deal with the nation's No. 2 cable operator follows the recent rollout of Outdoor Channel HD on Time Warner Cable systems serving North and South Carolina, launches that potentially extended the network's reach to another 2 million homes in those states.
In addition, Outdoor Channel HD has scored HD debuts on Comcast systems serving Los Alamos and Portales, New Mexico; RCN in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C.; and on U.S. Cable in Table Mountain, Woodland Park and Ft. Collins, Colo.
All told, Outdoor Channel HD is available to some 9 million homes.
Moreover on April 2, Outdoor Channel migrated from Comcast sports and entertainment tier to digital classic on the operator's systems in New Mexico and Arizona, a move that netted 65,000 incremental subscribers.
Subscribers to the network can tune in its new second-quarter programming lineup highlighted by Savage Wild, which features Cuban-born Manny Puig, stunt expert of MTV Jackass fame, who navigates the dangers of wildlife without the trappings of modern technology. Savage Wild episodes premiere Saturdays at 5 p.m.
Other key series include: reality show Adventure Guides, part of the network's "Fishing Friday" block, captures the daily endeavors and triumphs of fishing guides leading fly, bass and salt fisherman to their respective watering holes; Archer's Choice, starring "North America's Favorite Hunting Couple" Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, who aspire to inspire a greater appreciation and understanding of bowhunting and hunting for the whole family; and Step Outside, produced in partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundations, which encourages current outdoor enthusiasts to introduce family, friends and special guests to traditional outdoor sports.
