Sportsman Channel, Dish Develop Fund To Help With Gulf Restoration
DBS Provider Will Make Network Available A La Carte With Proceeds To Aid Coastal Conversation Association
Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 8/31/2010 12:28:20 AM
Looking to bring continuing awareness and monies to the restoration efforts in the Gulf region following the oil spill disaster, Sportsman Channel and Dish Network are collaborating on a special fund.
The independent hunting, fishing and shooting service, which launched on the No. 2 DBS provider in both the standard- and high-definition formats on channel 395 in February, is now available as an a la carte option for $3 per month.
Sportsman FundThe network and Dish will funnel proceeds from those purchasing the channel through years-end to a special "Sportsman Fund," created with Coastal Conservation Association, one of the nation's largest non-profit marine groups in the U.S., to benefit the Gulf Coast's habitat and research.
To aid these efforts, Dish will offer a free preview of Sportsman Channel from Sept. 3- 28. Additionally, Sportsman Channel and parent InterMedia Outdoors will tap print, on-air and digital assets to further promote the cause. Sportsman will run on-air crawls and promotional spots, flanked by supporting online messaging at SportsmanChannel.com and through social networks like Facebook and Twitter.
InterMedia Outdoors will deliver promotional ads, as well as editorial content where applicable, across its 20 leading enthusiasts Web sites and 15 print magazines, including such titles as In-Fisherman, Florida Sportsman, Petersen's Hunting and Guns & Ammo.
"Because we're donating our monthly fee to CCA, every new Sportsman Channel SD and HD a la carte subscriber on Dish Network is helping Gulf region sportsmen, families and wildlife," said Sportsman CEO Gavin Harvey. "We are proud to join DISH Network and CCA in this drive to raise money and also to raise awareness that Gulf communities still need our support."
Although BP has finally capped the underwater oil rig and some of the media attention has drifted away from the area, much work remains to rebuild ecosystems and the industries that are tied to having a healthy Gulf region. That's why Sportsman waited until some of the spotlight went off the region before beginning this initiative, according to Harvey.
To that end, he said the network plans ongoing programming and promotional efforts during 2011 and beyond to maintain awareness for the situation and draw sportsmen to supporting the cause on an ongoing basis.
For its part, CCA has worked closely with government and regulatory agencies since the beginning of the spill disaster to ensure the Gulf's habitats, fishing industries, marine life and resources are adequately represented and supported.
"We are thankful to have this unique partnership with Sportsman Channel and Dish Network that helps to raise awareness and vital funds to restore the Gulf of Mexico," said CCA president Pat Murray in a statement. "There are some very positive programs and signs of progress occurring throughout the Gulf, but there is still much to do. This generous program will be an important part of restoring and enhancing the Gulf's fragile habitats."
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