Back9Network
| Back9Network | |
|---|---|
| Picture format | 1080i (HDTV) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Headquarters | Hartford, CT |
| Website | Back9Network |
Back9Network is a planned cable television network and related digital media property targeting players and fans of golf. The network was announced in 2010, and it plans to be a hybrid content provider incorporating both a traditional linear broadcast distribution model and digital/mobile services. It has so far launched a Web site and a related YouTube channel, and it plans to launch a linear broadcast television network in the future.
The network offers entertainment and lifestyle programming about those who play golf, golf-related gear, travel, and sports personalities. Stakeholders include both actor Clint Eastwood and NBA player Ray Allen.
History
Back9Network was founded in 2010, and it opened its headquarters in Hartford, CT in December 2011. It announced it had raised US$5.3MM in a Series A Preferred Offering in early 2010, plus an initial round of public financing from the state of Connecticut in January 2012 in the amount of US$1.1MM.[1] It subsequently announced intention to raise US$10MM in a Series B round in 2012 to assist in infrastructure buildout as prelude to launching its linear broadcast channel.
In February 2012, actor, director, and noted golfer Clint Eastwood joined Back9Network as a creative advisor to the CEO.[2] It also announced a deal with Google to become a content provider for its YouTube network of channels.
The Back9Network Web site launched in April 2012, and the company announced a sponsorship and commercial deal with Sirius XM Radio in June 2012 in which fan call-in segments of the PGA Tour radio program Fairways of Life with Matt Adams broadcast on the Sirius/XM service will be co-branded with and sponsored by Back9Network.[3]
Programming
Programs
Back9Network’s content is focused broadly on golf as a theme, as opposed to traditional news-oriented coverage of golfing events. Its initial programming slate includes:
- Hole Lotta Love: A golf-themed dating program
- The Bag Men: A reality TV show about caddies
- The Bucket List: A reality TV show focusing on one aspect of the sport each week that appeals to hardcore golf fans
- The Greatest Games: A documentary series about the history of golf
- Extreme Golf: A showcase of user-submitted video clips
- The Scorecard: Profiles of people and events
- Lucky Me: Comedy series
- You’re So Money: News-style show covering the business aspect of golf
- Of Course: Animated series produced in conjunction with Skadaddle Media
- Beer Cart Girl: Episodic situation comedy
- As It Lies: Profiles of notable golfers and venues
- Quiet, Please: Golf trivia-based game show
- Out of Bounds: Golf and travel adventure show
On-air personalities
- Ahmad Rashad, on-air and Exec producer; former NFL player, NBA TV on air and host, former Golf Channel host
- Jenn Bosworth; former WTIC-TV reporter and anchor
- Charles Everett; actor (30 Rock, Law & Order, Rescue Me, Saints Row: The Third (VG))
- Jackie Flynn; actor/comedian (There’s Something About Mary, Shallow Hal)
- Anna Rawson; professional golfer, model, and writer
- Alison Waite; TV personality and former Playboy Playmate, May 2006
- Matt Adams; host of Sirius XM Radio show Fairways of Life
Corporate governance
Executive officers
- James L. Bosworth, Founder and CEO; former Executive Vice President at Callaway Golf
- Carlos Silva, President; former President/COO of Universal Sports, former SVP of AOL Sports, News, Money at AOL Time Warner
- Reid Gorman, Founder and COO; former President of MacGregor Golf
- Charles Cox, CFO, Head of Business Development: former Senior Director at ESPN, former Attorney at Proskauer Rose
Board of directors
- James Bosworth, Chairman and CEO of Back9network
- Ray Allen, NBA player
- Greg Hopkins, CEO of Cleveland Golf Company, Inc.
- Joe Mayernik, CEO of Sonoma Holdings, LLC
- Michael M. Michigami, president of MMM Business Advisory Services
- Sandy Cloud, CEO of the Cloud Company
- James D. Wehr, President and CEO of The Phoenix Companies
External links
References
- ↑ "Incentives bring sports media companies to Conn.". Delaware Online. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
- ↑ "Clint Eastwood's Next Project: New Golf Network". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
- ↑ "BACK9NETWORK PARTNERS WITH SIRIUS XM PGA TOUR RADIO PROGRAM "FAIRWAYS OF LIFE WITH MATT ADAMS"". Back9Network press release. Retrieved 2012-06-11.
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