Chello Zone Takes America's Leader in Outdoor TV Global

TEMECULA, Calif. and LONDON, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Outdoor Channel (Nasdaq: OUTD) and Chello Zone, a subsidiary of Liberty Global Inc's international media division Chellomedia, today announced an exclusive agreement that extends Outdoor Channel's footprint to Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Chello Zone is a London-based leading international broadcaster and distributor of thematic television channels, which operates a portfolio of eleven fully-owned and joint venture channel brands across the EMEA region, reaching more than 160 million homes worldwide in more than 100 countries.

Outdoor Channel, which according to Nielsen Media Research, reaches 35.6 million U.S. households through its linear cable network, is expanding its global footprint as it ventures from being America's leader in Outdoor TV to becoming the world leader in outdoor entertainment.

Under the terms of the deal, Chello Zone will access - on an exclusive basis - programming from Outdoor Channel's extensive library of HD content, and in a joint venture with Outdoor Channel's international agent, Chello Zone will launch a customized feed across EMEA, also to be called Outdoor Channel.

The channel, currently airing in the Middle East on Orbit Showtime Networks, will become a fully scheduled HD satellite service following the deal with Chello Zone. Further carriage deals are in discussion for launch throughout EMEA in the coming months. The channel will also be available in standard definition.

"Outdoor Channel's compelling and unique content resonates with outdoor enthusiasts around the world," said Randy Brown, Executive Vice President of Affiliate Sales & Marketing at Outdoor Channel. "Our relationship with Chello Zone is another example of our goal to expand our leadership position strategically beyond the U.S. market by tapping well-established partners with specific territory expertise, infrastructure and relationships in overseas markets. This distribution agreement for EMEA adds to our existing agreement with Multi Channels Asia as we move forward with plans to launch a dedicated network serving Asia, Australia and New Zealand in October."

Chello Zone's Chief Executive Officer Dermot Shortt, said: "We are delighted to have secured the exclusive rights to launch Outdoor Channel in HD throughout EMEA. Outdoor pursuits have become increasingly popular around the world and with its thrilling mix of content, we are confident it is a channel that will appeal to the whole family."

Outdoor Channel takes viewers around the world, sharing unmatched adventures and experiences through the eyes of esteemed outdoor personalities and world-renowned celebrities. Hit shows on the channel include Monster Fish, presented by Trev Gowdy, who treks around the globe in search of the biggest aquatic creatures on the planet; Adventures Abroad with host Ray Bunney, showcasing the world's most amazing hunting spots; and Savage Wild, with predator expert Manny Puig, who guides viewers through some of the murkiest waters and most dangerous places on earth in search of deadly predators.

The programming deal between Chello Zone and Outdoor Channel was secured as part of a joint venture in conjunction with U.S./Irish-based consultants ARA Amigos Ireland Ltd, headed by Andrew Brilliant, Amory Schwartz and Rich Lefler. The joint venture will be responsible for developing the channel internationally in EMEA.

About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.

Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. owns and operates Outdoor Channel, America's leader in outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of America's leading and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Winnercomm also owns and operates the patented Skycam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information please visit http://www.outdoorchannel.com.

About Chello Zone

Chello Zone is a leading international broadcaster and distributor of thematic television channels across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. With movies, soap operas, documentaries, sports, popular dramas, action classics, science-fiction, children's and lifestyle television, its channels offer something for everyone.

Chello Zone owns and operates a portfolio of five consolidated channel brands: Zone Reality, Zone Romantica, Fantasy, Extreme Sports Channel and preschool channel JimJam. Chello Zone also works closely with international programming partners to create and operate joint venture channels: Food Network and Fine Living Network with Scripps Networks Interactive and a portfolio of six UK entertainment channels with CBS Studios International, including CBS Drama, CBS Action, CBS Reality and Horror Channel.

Chello Zone's consolidated and joint venture channels reach audiences in more than 160 million homes across over 100 countries and in 23 languages.

Chello Zone is a business unit of Chellomedia, a leading international media company, and the European content division of Liberty Global, Inc. For more information, visit www.chellozone.com.

SOURCE Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.