The Outdoor Channel

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The Outdoor Channel

Launched	1994
Owned by	Outdoor Channel Holdings Inc.
Website	outdoorchannel.com
Availability
Satellite
DirecTV	Channel 606
Dish Network	Channel 153
Cable
Verizon FiOS	Channel 307
Comcast	Channels May Vary
Time Warner Cable	Channels May Vary
Charter	Channels May Vary
Cox Cable	Channels May Vary
IO Digital Cable (Cablevision)	Channel 407
Bright House Networks	Channels Vary

The Outdoor Channel is a network dedicated to the 'outdoorsman' and features variety outdoor programming including monster truck racing, bull riding and fishing/hunting. The channel's main competitor is The Sportsman Channel. Outdoor Channel is owned by Outdoor Channel Holdings Inc. and officially launched in 1994 with the focus on outdoorsmen. Outdoor Channel is also the leading innovator in the outdoor entertainment industry. They were the first outdoor programmer to reach a nationwide audience and the first to launch a separate HD network.

The Outdoor Channel is offered on most cable and satellite providers.

1 Outdoor Channel content
2 Outdoor Channel On Demand
3 Outdoor Channel 2 HD
4 Changes
5 Criticism
6 See also
7 External links
8 References

[edit] Outdoor Channel content

Formerly among the most respected names on The Outdoor Channel, was Jim Zumbo. During the course of Jim Zumbo’s 30 year writing career, he captured the imagination of millions of hunters across the country. With his program Jim Zumbo Outdoors, Jim translated his extensive knowledge into an entertaining and educational hunting program. However, this focus on hunting, and believing it the only legitimate use of any firearms, would be his undoing. He found out, through a swift and passionate outpouring of the firearms community, that an elitist attitude favoring hunting or sporting firearms, and denigrating firearms that are equally capable but not 'traditional' looking, would no longer be tolerated.

On February 16th, 2007, Jim published on his online blog that AR-15 rifles used for varminting, which rival and often surpass 'traditional' hunting arms in accuracy, were only suitable for use by terrorists. He was fired by Remington on February 19th, 2007, as a spokesman.[2] Due to these controversial and inflammatory anti-gun statements made by Zumbo, The Outdoor Channel also chose to sever their affiliations with Zumbo. His online blog was discontinued "for the time being" by Outdoor Life on February 19, 2007. [3]

Michael Waddell is another rising star in the outdoor entertainment industry and his program, Realtree Road Trips with Michael Waddell, is all ages show.

Another unique show is Ultimate Match Fishing which uses the format of a fishing tournament, but adds an extra level of competition by making anglers fish head to head from the same boat.

From racing circuits to restoration shows, The Outdoor Channel provides well-rounded coverage of the world of motorsports. Superlift’s Off-Road Adventures gives viewers an inside look at vehicle modification and the culture of off-roading. Featuring some of the most credible names in off-roading, this show is as entertaining in the shop as it is on the trail. Also, the show Monsters of Destruction covers the world of monster truck racing providing coverage of both the racing and freestyle events.

[edit] Outdoor Channel On Demand

On Outdoor Channel On Demand, viewers can watch anything from a missed episode of their favorite program to an encore presentation of a special event.

Outdoor enthusiasts can use Outdoor Channel On Demand like a reference library, learning tips from the most respected professionals. New content is added each week.

[edit] Outdoor Channel 2 HD

Last year, The Outdoor Channel launched a separate High Definition network full of original programs that are all filmed, edited, and broadcast in High Definition.

Capitalizing on the state-of-the-art technology, Outdoor Channel 2 HD finds blends outdoor activities and picturesque locations. Outdoor Channel 2 HD challenges the limits and boundaries of outdoor programming by placing an emphasis on variety and family-friendly outdoor activities.

From snowmobiling to sailing to recreational flying, the programs on Outdoor Channel 2 HD offers a wider range of shows for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers. An example is Adventures in the Pacific. Host Bimini Wright travels around the world: swimming with dolphins, hot air ballooning, and searching for adventure on the beautiful islands in the Pacific Ocean. Sled Sense hosted by Kevin Cullen and Brian Koster, travel the world to the best and most remote locations for snowmobiling adventures. The focus of the show is on them speeding down slick trails as well as featuring segments in the culturally diverse towns that exist in and around the Arctic Circle.

Outdoor Channel 2 HD also covers places to visit in the United States. The show Discovering America travels to many important landmarks and natural wonders that the U.S. has to offer.

[edit] Changes

The new logo, without the moose.

On March 20, 2007, The Outdoor Channel announced a few new changes. The first change is that the word "The" will be removed from the title. Secondly, the logo will be phased out and replaced with a green and black logo, without a moose. Thirdly, a broadband channel will be added to the lineup in May. ^[1]

[edit] Criticism

One of the main criticisms of the channel is the lack of production values. Many of their shows have an amateur feel with them. The camera are not as high quality (this mainly affects the normal Outdoor Channel) as the major networks or other more high profile cable companies.^{[citation needed]}

Another criticism is that the acting is poor. Many of the lines come as "scripted" and sometimes feel "forced" on the actors or actresses.^{[citation needed]}