‘Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour’ Available on World Fishing Network, Mondays at 8 p.m. ET

Posted on October 30, 2020November 3, 2020 by George Apregan

DENVER (October 30, 2020) – The competition is hot on Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour on World Fishing Network, Mondays at 8 p.m. ET. Ten anglers are competing for $100,000 on Lake Chickamauga in Dayton, Tennessee, during the Econo Lodge Stage 4, Presented by Winn Grips.

Watch Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour on World Fishing Network, Mondays at 8 p.m. ET.

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

Trick or Meat: ‘Dead Meat with Scott Leysath’ Season Four: The Reunion Season, Exclusively Features More Things Not to Eat

Posted on October 29, 2020November 3, 2020 by George Apregan

Popular Series Shows Even Ugly Critters Can Taste Good; Saturdays 2 p.m. ET

DENVER (October 29, 2020) – For many hunters and gatherers, the adage, “If it is worth killing, it is worth eating” is a life-long value, and a saying that some might shudder when considering dining on some of the “less-desirable” parts. But not Scott Leysath, host of the popular television series, Dead Meat, airing on Saturdays at 2 p.m. ET on Sportsman Channel. Now entering its third season, Dead Meat promises even more edgy, outrageous and maybe scary, moments.

From Asian Carp Cakes to Swamp Bunny Stew, Dead Meat shows that even ugly critters can taste good, most of the time. The series visits the swamps of Alabama for hunting rabbits with a pack of beagles, dives into the deep waters of Florida for lionfish and even heads to suburban California for rattlesnake. Leysath is on a mission to find people who make eating the less-desirable parts of animals something they do on a daily basis.

“Dead Meat is about finding interesting people who have a passion for making some of the ugliest critters taste delicious,” Leysath said. “They want to get the most from the creatures and truly live off the land in some cases. Other times, it’s about learning how invasive species, such as lionfish in Florida, are threatening our marine ecosystems…but they are also tasty little buggers.”

Tune in Dead Meat, Saturdays at 2 p.m. ET on Sportsman Channel.

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

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com

Expert Resource on Firearms ‘American Rifleman’ Now Airing on Outdoor Channel on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET

Posted on October 28, 2020November 3, 2020 by George Apregan

DENVER (October 28, 2020) – “American Rifleman” now airing on Outdoor Channel, Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET, is the pre-eminent source for accurate, compelling, authoritative information on all aspects of firearms and the shooting sports.

Hosted by Mark Keefe IV, who is also the Editor-In-Chief of American Rifleman magazine since 2003, the series is the video complement to the magazine. The half-hour episodes cover all aspects of firearms, the weapons industry and shooting sports, including how guns and gear are manufactured, visits to the firing lines of the nation's top shooting competitions, tactical advice and sporting tips from top trainers and competitors. There are also reviews of new shotguns, rifles, handguns, and other shooting equipment, as well as appraisals of historic firearms.

Tune in American Rifleman, Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on Outdoor Channel.

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

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com

MyOutoorTV Adds Episodes to ‘Bone Collector’ Now Streaming

Posted on October 27, 2020October 30, 2020 by George Apregan

DENVER (October 27, 2020) – MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) has added another season of Bone Collector to bring the total seasons to 12, available now for streaming.

Everyone in the hunting community knows there’s much more to a successful hunt than just filling a tag. The camaraderie, laughs, and passion for the outdoors that bring together family and friends is what makes for a great hunt. A true depiction of the hunting lifestyle, Bone Collector with hosts Michael Waddell, Nick Mundt, and Travis “T-Bone” Turner, shows the brotherhood of hunting while also providing world-class production.

Known for their entertaining personalities, Bone Collector documents the culture of hunting – whether bugling elk in Colorado, chasing big whitetails in Kansas or giant Nebraska mule deer – while following three dedicated and passionate sportsmen across the globe. With a bow, shotgun or rifle in hand, Bone Collector has it all. Don’t miss the exciting and always entertaining Bone Collector now on MyOutdoorTV.

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 15 category-leading outdoor magazines, such as: Guns & Ammo, Game & Fish, Petersen’s Hunting, In-Fisherman and 19 top websites, including: BassFan.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 192 markets worldwide.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com

Outdoor Sportsman Group and Obsession Media Announce Strategic Alliance for AVOD Content Distribution

Posted on October 26, 2020October 29, 2020 by George Apregan

OSG Agrees to Provide Content to Fuel “Game & Fish” Programming Block

DENVER (October 26, 2020) – Outdoor Sportsman Group (OSG) and Connecticut-based Obsession Media have entered a strategic partnership related to content distribution on the Obsession Media platform, Outdoor America. The announcement was made today by Outdoor Sportsman Group President and CEO Jim Liberatore.

Outdoor America is a multi-platform content distributor focused on distributing outdoor programming via OTT/CTV platforms including: Samsung and Vizio Televisions, Crackle, Xumo, Distro TV and others with a total reach of more than 140 million connected devices.

Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks (Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network and Sportsman Channel Canada) is the undisputed leader in the creation and distribution of hunting, fishing and shooting programming across multiple platforms including: social media, digital/OTT platforms, print media and traditional linear television.

“This partnership helps OSG provide additional distribution for our premium outdoor lifestyle content,” Liberatore said. “This is a bold step towards making our content available to consumers of outdoor lifestyle programming no matter where and how they consume it.”

Obsession Media Managing Partners John West and Nick Rhodes issued a joint statement: “We’re excited to provide Outdoor America viewers access to the high-quality outdoor programming from OSG. Combining the best of class OSG programming with Outdoor America’s distribution on streaming platforms brings new audiences to outdoor content and the broadest possible reach for sponsors and content creators.”

This strategic partnership will expand the reach of independent producers and endemic advertisers to diverse audiences across linear over-the-top (OTT) and connected TV’s (CTV) on advertiser-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) platforms to ensure their content and messages are reaching the largest and highly-targeted outdoor consumers.

Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks will soon start presenting content under the branded block Game & Fish on Outdoor America with plans to expand to more than 300 hours of programming per month.

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 subscription-based video-on-demand 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

About Obsession Media: Obsession Media is a content and marketing company that exists to support what you love. We celebrate the only real choice you have in life – how to spend your free time. We believe these decisions define who you are, what you stand for, and who you aspire to be. Obsession Media represents a diverse portfolio of content assets, designed to deeply connect with men and women who are passionate about their interests, activities and lifestyle. The partners at Obsession Media have vast experience in producing, packaging and distributing content for the sports, enthusiast and special interest segments.

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.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Tom Caraccioli | Outdoor Sportsman Group | Tom.Caraccioli@OutdoorSG.com

Feel the ‘Adrenaline’ on Sportsman Channel on Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. ET

Posted on October 21, 2020October 28, 2020 by George Apregan

DENVER (October 21, 2020) – The adrenaline flows in Sportsman Channel series, Adrenaline, now airing Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. ET. Get a front row seat to the heart-pounding action with hosts Kyle Wieter and Linda Sanchez as they hunt Midwestern whitetails. Fair chase hunting at its best is not for the faint of heart, but this crew thrives on the challenge. Viewers will be on a whitetail roller-coaster ride filled with highs and lows and unexpected turn of events that are unavoidable.

Host, Kyle Wieter, picked up his first bow 30 years ago. Since then he has harvested more than 20 giant bucks, Pope & Young Bear, Pope & Young Caribou and record-book caliber turkeys. While he is an experienced, accomplished bowhunter, his true passion is focused on hunting mature whitetail bucks. He has developed a keen understanding of what he dubs the “Ultimate Survival Machines” – the white-tailed deer. Along the way, he discovered a love and talent for capturing the action of the hunt on film and his series Adrenaline was born.

Kyle’s son, Logan, and daughter, Jessie, are an integral part of the show, along with their dog, Cass. For the Wieter’s, and so many families across the country, hunting is a family affair. Kyle is a dedicated dad that believes family comes first and involves his kids every step of way.

Watch Adrenaline on Sportsman Channel on Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. ET.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com

Learn About Everything That Swims in Freshwater on ‘In-Fisherman’

Posted on October 20, 2020October 27, 2020 by George Apregan

Now Available on World Fishing Network Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET

DENVER (October 20, 2020) – In-Fisherman TV has been one of the most-watched programs in all outdoors for more than 30 years, and it is now available on World Fishing Network, Tuesdays at
9 p.m. ET. Hall of Fame Angler and In-Fisherman Editor-In-Chief, Doug Stange, leads In-Fisherman staff members on a quest for fishing action across North America.

The show format is a by-product of the widely popular In-Fisherman magazine, which focuses on the pursuit of everything that swims in freshwater and near-shore coastal waters, although core species continue to be bass, walleyes, pike, muskies, catfish, panfish, trout and salmon. In-Fisherman often steps beyond those species to fish for carp, gar, sturgeon, redfish, tarpon and stripers.

In-Fisherman TV airs on World Fishing Network on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET. Check local listings or visit: https://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/channelfinder to find the network in your area.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com

Country Music Singer/Songwriter Josh Turner to Appear Live on Outdoor Channel on Monday, October 19

Posted on October 19, 2020October 21, 2020 by George Apregan

Outdoor Channel and Universal Music Group Nashville Team Up with Country Musicians for Live Telecasts of New Music on “Country Outdoors LIVE presented by RAM”

DENVER (October 19, 2020) – Outdoor Channel and Universal Music Group Nashville’s Country Outdoors LIVE presented by RAM fall concert series continues on Monday, October 19 at 8 p.m. with Universal Music Group Nashville country music singer/songwriter Josh Turner.

Country Outdoors LIVE hosts Nick Hoffman (Outdoor Channel’s Nick’s Wild Ride) and Mary O’Neill Phillips (Outdoor Sportsman Group podcast Country Outdoors) will introduce the live acts, as well as help viewers learn details behind-the-music during each 30-minute show.

Universal Music Group Nashville and Outdoor Channel’s Country Outdoors LIVE television specials have featured the following musicians on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET beginning September 28:

September 28 – Gary Allan

October 5 – Jordan Davis

October 12 – Caylee Hammack

October 19 – Josh Turner

For more information about Country Outdoors LIVE programming on television, on-line and social media, visit: www.outdoorchannel.com.

About Universal Music Group Nashville Musicians:

Gary Allan: With the allure of a modern-day outlaw, Gary Allan has won over fans, peers and critics with his signature blend of smoldering vocals, rebellious lyrics and raucous live performances. While becoming a force on the country music scene, Allan has remained true to his artistic voice each step of the way. Allan is signed with Universal Music Group Nashville, the label home for the entirety of his 24-year career. His album, SET YOU FREE, topped the Billboard 200 (all-genre), a career first for Allan. The album also made its debut at the top of the Billboard Country Album chart (for the fourth time in a row) and produced his fifth No. 1 country radio chart topper with “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain).” The California native released his first album, Used Heart for Sale, in 1996 and since then has released eight additional studio albums selling more than 8 million albums, been certified platinum on three back-to-back albums, and been certified gold five times. Allan has five #1 hits at country radio, 14 Top 10 hits to his credit and amassed over 1.5 billion total streams. Allan makes his return with a long-awaited new single “Waste of a Whiskey Drink,” which showcases Allan’s signature raspy and soulful vocals with a classic 90s sound. He’s described as “dark and dreamy” in Entertainment Weekly, “soulful and rough around the edges” in Playboy and deemed a “maverick” by Rolling Stone. He sells out venues as a headliner from NY to LA, appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Live with Kelly and Michael and Jimmy Kimmel Live. He has also landed on the covers of Country Weekly, Pollstar and People magazine.

Jordan Davis: MCA Nashville’s Jordan Davis has been named an “Artist to Watch” by Billboard, Rolling Stone, CMT, Pandora, Shazam, Amazon Music, Sounds Like Nashville, The Tennessean, SiriusXM, Whiskey Riff, and more. A Native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Davis graduated from LSU and briefly pursued the path of his degree working as an environmental consultant. However, his passion for music and songwriting eventually compelled him to move to Nashville in the summer of 2012. The 2020 ACM New Male Artist of the Year nominee’s debut album Home State has accumulated more than 1 billion streams worldwide and features his three consecutive No. 1 hits “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot,” the Double Platinum-Certified “Singles You Up” and Platinum-Certified “Take It From Me.” In 2019, Davis won Best New Country Artist at the iHeart Radio Music Awards and was a nominee for ACM New Male Artist of the Year. He also was named Billboard’s Top New Country Artist of 2018, as well as Country Aircheck/Mediabase’s Most Heard New Artist of 2018. Recently, the hitmaker released a six-song, self-titled EP featuring current single “Almost Maybes” which Billboard calls “a sure contender for song of the summer,” as well as the critically-acclaimed “Detours,” a recent collaboration with pop superstar Julia Michaels, “Cool Anymore” and three never-before-heard tracks. The singer/songwriter has previously toured with the likes of Rascal Flatts, Jake Owen, Kip Moore, Brett Young and Old Dominion and earlier this year headlined his Trouble Town Tour hitting over 20 cities.

Caylee Hammack: Capitol Nashville “songwriter/producer/full-throttle vocalist” (HITS) Caylee Hammack just released her debut record IF IT WASN’T FOR YOU on August 14. Since the release, critics have continued to highly praise the 13-track set that sees Hammack with writer and producer credits on every track on the album. "Hammack has arrived with this 13-track adrenaline blast…every song on here plays out like an entry in Hammack’s diary—and is just as compelling…Hammack deserves to be a star” declared Billboard. Hammack also just announced her new single at country radio “Just Friends” that has already garnered attention, with Paste lauding “stand back—she’s breathing fire.” Recently winning a nod for ACM “Music Event of The Year,” with Miranda Lambert, Caylee Hammack has been noted as an “Artist To Watch” by outlets including The Bobby Bones Show, Rolling Stone and HITS Magazine for her “voice to move mountains” (Rolling Stone). With her breakout Top 30 single “Family Tree” marking the most-added single at Country radio by a female artist in over three years, Hammack, the Capitol Nashville recording artist has previously brought her unforgettable live set to opening slots for Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Trisha Yearwood, Brothers Osborne and some of country music’s biggest festivals. For more information visit www.cayleehammack.com.

Josh Turner: MCA Nashville recording artist Josh Turner, while a multi-platinum-selling star himself, is a country music fan first and foremost. He’s even concocted his own version of Mount Rushmore conceived solely of country music legends. Turner’s “Mount Rushmore of Country Music” boasts five faces rather than four (it’s his mountain, after all) — Randy Travis, John Anderson, Johnny Cash, Vern Gosdin, and Hank Williams. The giants carved into the granite of Turner’s musical soul form the core of his aptly titled new album, Country State of Mind. The dozen songs on Country State of Mind, including songs from those five legends among others, span more than half a century of classic country music, encompassing both well-known standards and deep-catalog cuts. It’s a conversation — relayed in the distinctive, resonant baritone that brought Turner No. 1 hits and five gold and platinum albums — between the past and present of country music. From the very start of his career through chart-topping hits like “Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” and “All Over Me,” Turner has immersed himself in country music’s history and its iconic figures. After all, this is someone who, as a student at Nashville’s Belmont University, took an open gate on Johnny Cash’s property as a sign he should knock on the legendary singer’s door and introduce himself. For nearly two decades, Turner has been one of country music’s most recognizable voices, selling more than 8.5 million units and amassing more than 2.5 billion global streams. He has never kept his reverence for traditional country music a secret, but, with this latest album, Josh Turner is definitely in a Country State of Mind.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Tom Caraccioli | Outdoor Sportsman Group | Tom.Caraccioli@OutdoorSG.com

‘Farming the Wild’ Season Two Now Airing on Outdoor Channel on Mondays at 8:30 p.m. ET

Posted on October 19, 2020October 27, 2020 by George Apregan

DENVER (October 19, 2020) – English restaurateur and hunter Mike Robinson is one of Britain’s most prominent game chefs. His knowledge of hunting and farming in Britain is on full display with his series, Farming the Wild, airing its second season on Outdoor Channel on Mondays at
8:30 p.m. ET.

Robinson co-owns the only pub in Britain with a prestigious Michelin-star and he harvests the natural ingredients that make up some of his most famous dishes. As an expert marksman and deer stalker, Robinson shares the many unique skills and techniques he uses to hunt the game he sustainably manages. As a Chef, he also shares the professional methods and tips to help viewers elevate their wild game cooking into truly Michelin-caliber food, both at home and over their campfires.

Tune in to Farming the Wild on Mondays at 8:30 p.m. ET on Outdoor Channel.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPR@outdoorSG.com

Q&A with Major League Fishing President and CEO Jim Wilburn

Posted on October 13, 2020October 21, 2020 by George Apregan

As Major League Fishing (MLF) continues to experience success in television ratings and viewership, events and level of performance by its professional anglers, MLF President and CEO Jim Wilburn took a few minutes from his busy schedule to discuss 2020 and beyond.

Q: Like other companies and events in the country, MLF experienced challenges in 2020 due to COVID-19, such as cancelled tournaments and filming. What were some of the trials you experienced when you were ready to go back on the water and begin filming the tournaments?

A: You’ve got that right, 2020 was an interesting year! As a company, we understood the value of protecting one another and our neighbors and we made the decision to cancel tournaments and shelter in place for 10 weeks. However, as various entities began to reopen around the nation, we realized the need to return to competition with our made-for-TV events, albeit in a closed environment. Our amazing team of professionals went to great lengths to outline a detailed list of protocols with the intent to provide a healthier, safe environment for each individual on-site at every event, along with our production studios in Tulsa. Our plan was compliant with current local, state and federal guidelines that enabled us to restart our season and provide the excellent viewing experience our fans have come to expect.

Q: Recently, it was noted that MLF is “dominating” its competitors. Can you elaborate on that?

A: It was a bold statement … but it’s the truth. Recently, some television viewership numbers were released that were impressive, however there was confusion amongst a lot of fans and sponsors in regard to some of the terms that were used. “Reach” has been a buzzword that has gained popularity in the past few years, but it doesn’t really mean much. When you compare apples-to-apples – the ratings, which advertisers really care about – there is no comparison. And that doesn’t take into consideration our programming that airs on CBS, Discovery and the CBS Sports Network. When it comes to television, Major League Fishing stands head and shoulders above any others.

Q: Can you explain the appeal of watching tournament fishing on television?

A: If our fans can’t be on the water fishing, the next best thing is watching the best anglers in the world on television. The MLF SCORETRACKER® has revolutionized tournament fishing on television, bringing the stress and anticipation that our professional anglers feel into living rooms and offices around the world. Using real-time scoreboards, timeclocks and penalties, SCORETRACKER® propels tournament fishing into the realm of other professional stick-and-ball sports. It creates the tense, action-packed live competition that sports fans crave. Watching tournament fishing in general compels viewers to expand their knowledge of the sport and further their level of expertise through instruction by our pros. SCORETRACKER® increases the excitement for the viewer who has a front-row-seat to the professional anglers’ strategy, split-second decision-making and real-time effects of those decisions. It creates the perfect environment to hold the attention of both veteran anglers and viewers who are tuning in for the first time.

Q: What are some of the highlights from this crazy, COVID-shortened, 2020 season?

A: Despite the challenges that we have all faced this year, Major League Fishing has truly had a fantastic season. To start the year off we announced a new variable minimum weight requirement for the Bass Pro Tour that raised the standard on the size of bass weighed in our events. The fisheries are assessed almost like you would in golf, where par is different at every course. The minimum weight has been a rule change that has been well received by both competitors and fans alike.

We’ve seen the emergence of the young guns of the sport, and they’ve taken the reins and dominated in quite a few events this season. Jordan Lee won the inaugural Heavy Hitters event and also claimed his first career Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year title, while Jacob Wheeler won the first Bass Pro Tour event of the season on Lake Eufaula and also added a Toyota Series and Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit victory to his resume. Justin Lucas was another angler that had a great year. His first day of competition at the Bass Pro Tour Stage Five at Sturgeon Bay – weighing 50 smallmouth bass for 141 pounds, 9 ounces, in ONE day – is etched forever into the history books.

Another highlight for us has been the unification of our two brands – MLF and FLW. After COVID forced the Bass Pro Tour to shorten its season, many of the Bass Pro Tour anglers took advantage of a special invitation to join FLW’s Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit for the remaining three events in their season. The events, dubbed ‘Super Tournaments’ because of the expanded field and expanded prize pools, were a massive success. They were so well received by the anglers and the fans that the decision has already been made to continue to allow the Bass Pro Tour anglers to compete on the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit in 2021, if they choose.

Q: MLF is seen on Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, as well as several other cable networks while your competitor is seen via the ESPN networks. How is it that MLF is able to carry 86 percent of the bass fishing programming viewership on all of television?

A: I truly believe it’s because of our unique format and the excitement and intensity that our anglers and SCORETRACKER® bring to every event. That can be the only explanation, because we’re competing for eyeballs against an established 41-year-old brand. SCORETRACKER® has added the “live sport” element to bass fishing like other sports. Sports fans, even non-anglers, love suspense. When the clock is ticking down, and an angler is on the bubble, or close to being eliminated, or close to qualifying…there is nothing like it. It is extremely exciting, makes for great television, and has been a massive hit with our audiences.

Q: What makes MLF different from your competitors’ programming?

A: In addition to having the best bass anglers in the world, the difference is Major League Fishing’s catch-weigh-immediate release format. However, with the addition of the MLF BIG5 circuits, MLF is now a one-stop shop for tournament anglers that enjoy any format, from High School all the way through the Bass Pro Tour. Another benefit that we have is that our programming airs on multiple different networks, including national outlets like CBS, Discovery and CBS Sports, but also the smaller targeted niche networks like Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and the World Fishing Network. We also have partnered with a terrific streaming service – MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) – that allows our fans to stream every show in the history of MLF – both live and on-demand. MOTV truly sets us apart from the competition and allows us to reach fans across the world.

Q: What can we expect to see next year?

A: As we wrap up 2020, we’re extremely excited at some of the things we have in the works for 2021. Any day now we expect to announce the Bass Pro Tour schedule, which features an incredible line up of fisheries – both storied and new to our audience. As I mentioned before, there will be quite a few Bass Pro Tour anglers that choose to compete in the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit this season. It will be extremely interesting to see how they fare in the differing formats of Major League Fishing’s catch-weigh-immediate release and the MLF BIG5’s five-biggest-fish formats. We’re hosting our championship event, REDCREST, in our home city of Tulsa in February. The extremely popular Heavy Hitters All-Star event will return, and someone is going to win another $100,000 for catching the single largest bass of the final day there. We’ll continue to roll out special opportunities for more anglers to experience the Major League Fishing catch-weigh-immediate release format, including the MLF Wiley X College Faceoffs, the Tackle Warehouse TITLE and the Pro Circuit championship. We fully expect 2021 to be Major League Fishing’s coming out party. And we’re excited to see how it all shakes out.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Tom Caraccioli | Outdoor Sportsman Group | Tom.Caraccioli@OutdoorSG.com