Outdoor Channel Rings in Spring With New Second Quarter Programming Line-Up

TEMECULA, Calif., March 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Outdoor Channel, America's Leader in Outdoor TV, today announced the launch of its second quarter (Q2) programming line-up, produced in 100 percent native high definition (HD). Four new shows will make their network debut, while many of Outdoor Channel's most popular programs will return with all new episodes this season.

Adding to its ever-expanding roster of celebrities, Outdoor Channel welcomes country music sensation Zac Brown and outdoor star Chris Brackett to the network as hosts of "Fear No Evil," a new action-packed hunting show. Also, among the popular Outdoor Channel programs that reflect the network's commitment to best-in-class content are "Wardens" and "Tecomate Whitetail Nation." "Wardens," chronicles the lives of conservation officers in America, and "Tecomate Whitetail Nation," features host David Morris and comedian Jeff Foxworthy. The two shows return in the second quarter for an encore season.

Highlighting its recent expansion in the fishing genre, Outdoor Channel continues to reel in new angling hits, like "The Bassmasters" and "Madfin Shark Series," both from ESPN. "Ultimate Match Fishing: All-Stars," a new twist on the successful "Ultimate Match Fishing" franchise features twelve of the biggest names in professional angling including Tommy Biffle, Boyd Duckett, Mark Davis and Terry Scroggins. These icons battle head-to-head for the coveted UMF title and $50,000. Additionally, the highly acclaimed "Wanna Go Fishing" series returns with all new episodes. The popular show awards a dream fishing trip to one lucky angler each and every week.

"As home to the biggest and most respected personalities, we continue to reinforce our position as the preeminent source for outdoor entertainment," said Tom Hornish, COO, Outdoor Channel. "The addition of several leading fishing programs to our line-up has broadened our appeal to anglers, and this quarter, we're giving them some of the best fishing programs ever produced. We're confident our viewers will enjoy our high quality second quarter programming line-up."

Outdoor Channel's category-leading outdoor lifestyle content is designed to entertain America's 150 million outdoor enthusiasts. Each season, the network holds true to its title as 'America's Leader in Outdoor TV' by taking its viewers on the best adventures to the most incredible destinations with the most engaging personalities.

Q2 Series:

Fear No Evil – Debuts Sunday, April 3rd at 11:30 p.m. ET

Country music sensation Zac Brown and outdoor star Chris Brackett forge a new alliance to change hunting entertainment forever. Directed by Darren Doane, Country Music Television's 2010 'Director of the Year' nominee, "Fear No Evil" episodes are produced as a series of mini feature films, highlighting the art of hunting.

Wardens – Debuts Monday, March 28th at 7:30 p.m. ET

When your job is protecting our most precious natural resources in some of the nation's most remote areas, there's  rarely a dull moment. "Wardens" chronicles the lives of conservation officers in America, with the 2011 season focusing on the great state of Montana. Watch as these brave men and women defend public lands from poachers and other environmental hazards, brave treacherous whitewater rapids and embark on intense snowmobile trails in remote grizzly bear country. It's all in a day's work for these protectors of the great outdoors.

The Bassmasters – Debuts Friday, April 1st at 10:30 p.m. ET

"The Bassmasters," hosted by Tommy Sanders and Mark Zona of Outdoor Channel's "Zona's Awesome Fishing Show," serve fishing fanatics with the most comprehensive how-to and where-to information about ways in which Bassmaster Elite Series pros tackle a body of water. The shows provide in-depth analysis on lure choice, fish management, the mental approach to fishing and countless other variables that affect the competition. The series has received critical acclaim, as the production of the "Bassmaster Classic" earned a 2008 Sports Emmy nomination for Outstanding Live Event Turnaround category.

Madfin Shark Series – Debuts Saturday, April 2nd at 11:30 a.m. ET

The 5th annual "Madfin Shark Series" returns as the only nationally televised catch and release shark competition in the world. For its Outdoor Channel debut, the show follows four two-person teams as they brave the warm waters of the Florida Keys to search for dangerous sharks only to measure and release them over the course of three days. British actor Butler Yates returns as the dramatic voiceover, and outdoor star Tommy Sanders makes his first appearance on camera as the host. Breathtaking underwater and aerial coverage set the bar for the up close and personal experience for this winner-take-all affair.

Tecomate Whitetail Nation – Debuts Monday, March 28th at 10:00 p.m. ET

Join host David Morris, along with comedian Jeff Foxworthy, as they take viewers across North America in search of giant bucks. "Tecomate Whitetail Nation" expands audiences' perspectives about what is possible through serious, practical wildlife management and helps viewers realize their deer hunting dreams. Each episode features a hunt and information about whitetail management, behavior and biology. But above all, "Tecomate Whitetail Nation" captures the appreciation and sense of stewardship true outdoor enthusiasts and managers have for land and wildlife.

Ultimate Match Fishing: All-Stars – Debuts Friday, April 1st at 11:30 p.m. ET

"Ultimate Match Fishing: All-Stars" takes twelve of the biggest names in professional angling and puts them toe-to-toe in the infamous Ultimate Match Fishing competition format. In this special edition of the classic series, all of the competitors are either returning UMF champions, fan favorites from previous seasons, or first-time UMF competitors who are considered "legends" in the world of bass fishing. Outdoor Channel mainstay Joe Thomas serves as host alongside Claude "Fish" Fishburne -- former ESPN "Bassmaster Classic" host and current Outdoor Channel "The Fish Fishburne Show" host. As in the original UMF series, the anglers compete for a grand prize of $50,000.

Wanna Go Fishing? – Debuts Friday, April 1st at 9:00 p.m. ET

Host Matt Eastman picks a random individual to join him on an all-expense paid fishing trip of a lifetime. While the jets and boats are standing by, the potential guest has five minutes and two phone calls to decide if he or she has "got the guts to go." "Wanna Go Fishing?" travels to the best fishing locations on the planet, and the journey often becomes a life changing experience for one lucky guest. "Wanna Go Fishing?" is a two-time Emmy Award winner for Best Sports Series and Best On-Camera Talent.

For the full Q2 programming schedule, please visit: http://outdoorchannel.com/Schedule.aspx. Check local listings or log on to OutdoorChannel.com to find out how to get the network in your area.

About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.

Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OUTD) 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.

SOURCE Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.