‘Major League Fishing’ Dominates the Competition and Stands Alone Among Bass Fishing Television Fans

Posted on September 9, 2020September 15, 2020 by George Apregan

DENVER (September 8, 2020) – Major League Fishing (MLF) has proved to be a dominating force with bass fishing fans, towering over competitive bass fishing programming on television by most ratings and viewership measurements. With fans seeking content on Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network and others, MLF eclipses competitive bass fishing programming on television and easily stands alone as cable’s most-watched fishing competition.

“It’s clear to us, despite competitors’ claims to the contrary, that Major League Fishing is by far the pre-eminent viewing choice of bass fishing fans wanting to watch top-caliber competition on television,” Major League Fishing President and CEO Jim Wilburn stated. “Numbers don’t lie, and the ratings and viewership numbers back up our claims.”

With more than 1,300 combined hours of television coverage, Major League Fishing, which airs on cable partners: Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, Discovery Channel and CBS Sports, has accounted for a staggering 86% of all viewership of competitive bass fishing programs on cable television during the past four quarters (Q3 2019 to Q2 2020).*

During the 2020 season, Major League Fishing has averaged 97,000 viewing households in just its anchor time period on Outdoor Channel, making it the top-rated show on the network for the fifth consecutive year, surpassing the average number of households that viewed its top competitor’s championship series on ESPN2 by +3%, despite its competitor benefitting from nearly triple the distribution.??

Fans of Major League Fishing seek it out regardless of the network including World Fishing Network which is delivering +10% more households than its top competitor’s elite series on Pursuit Channel, despite having just one-seventh of the distribution.?

For more information about Major League Fishing and Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks visit: www.MajorLeagueFishing.com and www.outdoorsg.com

About Major League Fishing: Founded in 2011, Major League Fishing (MLF) brings the high-intensity sport of competitive bass fishing into America’s living rooms on Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, Discovery, CBS, CBS Sports Network and on-demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). The Bass Pro Tour consists of eight events and a championship streamed live on www.MajorLeagueFishing.com and MOTV. MLF uses the entertaining and conservation-friendly catch, weigh and immediate-release format where every scorable bass counts and the winner is the angler with the highest cumulative weight. In late 2019 MLF acquired FLW, which expands their portfolio to include the world’s largest grassroots fishing organization, including the strongest five-fish format professional bass fishing tour, the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, as well as the Toyota Series, Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine, and Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI, and High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing. For more in-depth coverage, see Game & Fish magazine, the official publication of MLF.

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 Sportsman Channel: Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel/Sportsman HD/Sportsman Channel Canada (added in 2019) are television and digital media networks fully devoted to honoring a lifestyle that is celebrated by millions of North Americans. A division of Outdoor Sportsman Group, Sportsman Channel/Sportsman Canada delivers entertaining and informative programming that showcases outdoor adventure, hunting and fishing, and illustrates it through unique and authentic storytelling. Sportsman Channel/Sportsman Channel Canada embrace the attitude of celebrating the Great Outdoors in equal measure. Stay connected to Sportsman Channel online at thesportsmanchannel.com, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. #IAmSportsman. #MyOutdoorTV

*Source: Comscore, Live+7 Average Audience, 7/1/19-6/28/20, Percent of cumulative viewing to all competitive fishing shows across all cable networks.

*Source: Nielsen, Live+7 Average Audience, 12/30/19-6/28/20, MLF: Outdoor Channel, Saturday 2P-4P vs. Bassmaster Classic, ESPN 2. Household Universe Estimates: ESPN2-82.5MM vs OUTD-30.5MM

*Source: Comscore, Live+7 Average Audience, 12/30/19-6/28/20, Program Average, Major League Fishing on WFN vs Bassmasters Elite Series on Pursuit.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Tom Caraccioli | Tom.Caraccioli@OutdoorSG.com

MyOutdoorTV Pick of the Week: ‘Flyway to Heaven’ Watchlist

Posted on September 9, 2020September 14, 2020 by George Apregan

Denver (September 9, 2020) – Streaming now on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) is the “Flyway to Heaven” watchlist with six episodes featuring some of America’s favorite wingshooters. Watch episodes from The Fowl Life, RNT-V, Gun Dog TV, Mojo TV and more.

MOTV offers free episodes of content for fans to watch without a subscription. For more on MyOutdoorTV, visit: www.motv.com. #MYOUTDOORTV.

About MyOutdoorTV (MOTV): MyOutdoorTV is the No. 1 global, subscription, streaming service from Outdoor Sportsman Group created just for outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. MOTV features favorite Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, Sportsman Channel Canada television shows, the entire Hunters Video library and exclusive Major League Fishing content, acquired content from around the world, as well as exclusive MOTV Originals. MOTV is the pre-eminent voice for all outdoor enthusiasts and super serves the outdoor enthusiasts 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 on the waterways. MOTV is powered by the four networks, along with additional exclusive content available from Outdoor Sportsman Group’s established integrated media arm that includes 16 category-leading outdoor magazines, such as: Guns & Ammo, Game & Fish, Petersen’s Hunting, In-Fisherman and 20 top websites, including: OutdoorChannelPlus.com. MOTV is available in English, French, German, Swedish and Danish. Subscribe to MOTV at www.MyOutdoorTV.com , as well as the following streaming platforms: Apple IOS (iPhone and iPad), Android (phone and tablet), Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, Amazon Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung SmartTV and LG SmartTV. MOTV is available in 162 markets worldwide.

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 Sportsman Channel Canada and MOTV, the world’s leading outdoor television content platform. The Group also consists of a number of established publishing assets: 16 outdoor magazines including Guns & Ammo, Game & Fish, Petersen’s Hunting, In-Fisherman and 20 top websites, including OutdoorChannelPlus.com. Additionally, Outdoor Sportsman Group includes television production operations, Winnercomm. For more information, visit www.outdoorsg.com. #MyOutdoorTV

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com

Sportsman Channel Features ‘Brotherhood Outdoors,’ ‘Heartland Waterfowl,’ ‘Pure Hunting’ and ‘Red Rising’

Posted on September 9, 2020September 9, 2020 by George Apregan

DENVER (September 9, 2020) – Sportsman Channel finds the shows – and hosts – with the most stunning scenery and dynamic personalities to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This week, tune into Brotherhood Outdoors, Heartland Waterfowl, Pure Hunting and Red Rising.

Brotherhood Outdoors (Sundays, 11 a.m. ET) – This series showcases the stories of selected Union workers as they embark on hunts of a lifetime.

Heartland Waterfowl (Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. ET) – Heartland Waterfowl tells compelling stories through creative filming and honest experiences while promoting the true ethics of waterfowl hunting.

Pure Hunting (Mondays, 9 p.m. ET) – Join host Willi Schmidt and his team as they show how the majority of hunters across the U.S. hunt. They enjoy showing ‘pure hunting’ opportunities exist for those willing to put forth a little effort.

Red Rising (Tuesdays, 8 p.m. ET) – Three friends from Virginia are brought together by one passion – hunting whitetails.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com

Nick’s Wild Ride Returns to Outdoor Channel on Mondays at 10:30 p.m. ET

Posted on September 4, 2020September 9, 2020 by George Apregan

DENVER (September 4, 2020) – Join musician, hunter, conservationist and dad, Nick Hoffman, as he embarks on his new season of Nick’s Wild Ride, airing on Outdoor Channel on Mondays at 10:30 p.m. ET. Hoffman takes viewers deep in the food, culture, music, history and heartbeat of a location as he hunts and fishes.

“This isn’t a ‘head-to-an-outfitter-and-hunt’ kind of show,” Hoffman explained. “It’s actually the antithesis of that. It’s as much about the travel and adventure as it is about the hunt while canvassing the globe to find compelling characters and vibrant culture…with a dash of craziness.”

Nick Hoffman is an award-winning country music artist whose passion for travel and the outdoors takes him to the world’s most interesting places. After 12 years as the fiddle player in Country Music Star Kenny Chesney’s Band, he struck out on his own and scored two hit songs with country trio “THE FARM.” Now, Nick’s Wild Ride shows people a side of Nick Hoffman they’ve never seen. Part traveler, part hunter, part historian, with some party-guy sprinkled in, you never know what he’ll do next.

Tune into Nick’s Wild Ride on Mondays at 10:30 pm ET on Outdoor Channel. Check local listings or visit www.OutdoorChannel.com/ChannelFinder to find the network in your area.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com

Sportsman Channel Brings Back Bownanza! Week-Long Bowhunting Extravaganza on September 7–12, 2020

Posted on September 3, 2020September 9, 2020 by George Apregan

Denver (September 3, 2020) – The week-long bowhunting extravaganza that is Bownanza returns to Sportsman Channel on September 7 at 8 p.m. ET. The evening brings series focuses solely on bowhunting for small and big game across the world. Bownanza will air September 7–11 from
8–11 p.m. ET, excluding Thursday, September 10. Additionally, it will air on Saturday, September 12 at 5-8 p.m. ET.

Series programs include: West of Texas, Into High Country, The Given Right, Red Rising, Realtree’s Monster Bucks, North American Whitetail TV, Major League Bowhunter, Final Draw and many more.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com

Pitmaster for a Day: Tune in For a LaBoar Day Marathon on Outdoor Channel Monday, September 7

Posted on September 2, 2020September 9, 2020 by George Apregan

DENVER (September 2, 2020) – Channel the best barbecue pitmaster, set the pits to low and slow, and tune in for a marathon of the finest driven boar hunts and American pig hunting during Outdoor Channel’s LaBoar Day Marathon on Monday, September 7 beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

LaBoar Day features three of Outdoor Channel’s most-popular and highest-rated series:

Wild Boar Fever XI, MeatEater and Pigman: The Series.

LaBoar Day Marathon Schedule. All times ET.

8:00 p.m. – MeatEater – “Bush Pig: New Zealand Wild Boar” – Steve Rinella and local wild pig legend Darren Moore spend a wild, action-packed day tracking down Captain Cook boars in the thick New Zealand bush. Their tools for the job include two little pig dogs, a knife and some real grit.

8:30 p.m. – MeatEater – “Full Boar: Whole Hog Cooking Special” – Nose to tail cooking has never been so real. On a spring hunt in Florida, Steve Rinella got his hands on a wild hog and brought him home for an extravagant meal. In the field, he demonstrates the best way to break a hog down and bring him home—great butchering and preservation tips are included.

9:00 p.m. – Wild Boar Fever XI – “Masterclass: A Day at the Range” – The Wild Boar Fever crew is in the Sologne Region of France for the season opener. Host Franz-Albrecht Oettingen-Spielberg leads a Masterclass on the art of hunting driven boar, and this Masterclass starts where all hunts should – with a day practicing at the range.

9:30 p.m. – Wild Boar Fever XI – “Masterclass: The Prep and Planning” – Franz-Albrecht Oettingen-Spielberg leads a cast of world class hunters for a day of driven shooting in the ancient forests of Sologne, France. With hunters spread throughout the hunting area in a Monteria style, the action is non-stop and has everyone’s eyes scanning in all directions.

10:00 p.m. – Pigman: The Series – “Shankfest 5” – It's Shankfest 5, and Group 1 is up to bat at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge in Oklahoma. So many pigs, so little time.

The stories of Wild Boar Fever XI presented by Aimpoint will, once again, be told through the lens of conservationist, popular host and charismatic marksman Franz-Albrecht Oettingen-Spielberg. Driven hunts result in a substantial meat harvest of the destructive wild boar and conclude in a deeply traditional ceremony. The harvested game is gathered together and laid out in a tableau, then honored by horn-blowing and speeches. These traditions date back hundreds of years and were first introduced to North American viewers last year.

Pigman: The Series is the story of Brian “Pigman” Quaca, a true-blue original and a character at the core, given to a rough and tough hunting lifestyle aimed at entertaining the masses with his different take on traditional hunting television. The endeavors and travels undertaken by Pigman send him all across the world with a determined sense to change the way people look at outdoor film.

MeatEater with Steven Rinella has been a perennial favorite with Outdoor Sportsman Group viewers since its debut seven years ago. As Rinella eloquently puts it, the show is not just about the pursuit of an animal, but who Rinella is as a person and what he’s made of to pursue that animal.

LaBoar Day Marathon airs on Outdoor Channel on Monday, September 7 beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Check local listings or visit www.OutdoorChannel.com/ChannelFinder to find the network in your area.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com

World Fishing Network’s ‘Jimmy Houston Outdoors’ Provides Heart-pounding Excitement on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m.

Posted on September 2, 2020 by George Apregan

DENVER (September 2, 2020) – Join National Freshwater Fishing and Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Jimmy Houston as he travels the country searching for the biggest fish around on Jimmy Houston Outdoors on World Fishing Network on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Houston is someone who prides himself on his love of charity, as well as his love of fishing. He works with charities such as: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Benefit 4 Kids, Make-A-Wish, Hunt of a Lifetime, Brass Ring Society and Veterans Homes in Sulphur and Ardmore, Oklahoma. He is one of the hardest working pros in the industry, but he specifically crafts his schedule around his participation in the annual FOCAS Kids Day event on Lake Tenkiller and the annual Christmas Party at the Cherokee County Nursing Center.

Jimmy Houston Outdoors keeps viewers entertained with fast-paced and hard-hitting action every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET on World Fishing Network.

About World Fishing Network: World Fishing Network is North America’s only television network, online and mobile platform dedicated exclusively to fishing and outdoor enthusiasts with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more. Available to cable, satellite and telco subscribers throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, our lineup includes a selection of the best North American and international series and the most diverse species coverage of any TV channel hosted by some of the top anglers from North America and across the globe. For more information, please visit WorldFishingNetwork.com and follow us at Facebook and Twitter. #MyOutdoorTV

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com

World Fishing Network’s ‘Jimmy Houston Outdoors’ Provides Heart-pounding Excitement on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m.

Posted on September 2, 2020September 4, 2020 by George Apregan

Not only is he one of the most giving and charitable people in the industry, but he is also one of the top professional fishermen of all time. He has been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, as well as the Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. Jimmy Houston Outdoors keeps viewers entertained with fast-paced and hard-hitting action every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET on World Fishing Network.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com

Season Three of Wentz Bros Outdoors Premieres September 1 on Game & Fish

Posted on September 1, 2020September 3, 2020 by George Apregan

DENVER (September 1, 2020) – When Carson Wentz isn’t leading the Philadelphia Eagles on Sundays, people that know him know he and his brother Zach are usually enjoying time in the outdoors. Wentz Bros Outdoors Presented by Eukanuba debuts Season Three on Tuesday, September 1 on Game & Fish.

Wentz Bros Outdoors Presented by Eukanuba captures the exploits of the brothers as they film their own hunts and outdoor experiences then share them with their fans.

This is the other field; the field away from Carson Wentz’s day job. It’s the one where the only cameras are those in the hands of Carson or his brother, Zach Wentz. And for the fans of the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Wentz Bros Outdoors provides a glimpse into his life away from the rigors of the gridiron.

Long before Carson was the No. 2 overall pick by the Eagles and a two-time FCS title game MVP, he was raised in the state of North Dakota. As he grew up in the Roughrider state and attended North Dakota State University, Carson fell in love with the outdoors.

Zach Wentz grew up in Bismarck as the older, more athletic brother of his younger sibling, Carson. The two played baseball together, tossed a football back and forth — taking turns as designated quarterback and receiver — and never wanted to lose to the other. Today, they work together.

With exclusive, insider footage, viewers will experience the outdoor lifestyle through the Wentz family lens. Whether it’s Carson putting on camouflage eye paint or patriarch Doug Wentz setting out decoys, this behind-the-scenes show will take viewers beyond the hunt. Wentz Bros Outdoors offers a fascinating look into the life of a national sports star and his family.

Wentz Bros Outdoors Presented by Eukanuba airing on Game & Fish is in partnership with: Hoyt, Winchester Ammunition, Winchester Repeating Arms, Leupold Optics and Streamlight.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com