On the OUTDOOR CHANNEL/InterMedia Squabble

[Michael Bane]

I had hoped I wouldn't have to make this post, but what I read not only on other forums, but here on our DRTV Forums leads me to believe that I need to clear up a few issues.

Let's just skip over the "he said; she said" on whether OUTDOOR CHANNEL or InterMedia pulled the trigger first on the non-renewal of InterMedia's shows, including G&A Television and PDTV. Instead, let's dip our toes into the Real World for just a moment. The minute InterMedia acquired controlling interest in the Sportsmen's Channel, they became a direct competitor of OC. The only reason one acquires a television network, even a small one (2-3 million homes, depending on how happy you want your numbers), is to have a place to present your own product. Even a deaf, one-eyed dog could figure out that one. So it was never a question of "IF" InterMedia would pull their shows from OC, only one of "WHEN."

Twice in the last 14 months I have gone to the executives of OC, for whom I work, and told them based on my sources within InterMedia and other information I was getting that InterMedia was very close to pulling their shows. What sort of info? How about a direct approach to me asking what I was doing when my current OC contract expired, and might I be interested in "other opportunities?" I think all you guys know that I don't do hunting and fishing shows.

Regarding PDTV, Tom Gresham and I have been friends for a long time, but we are both on one level, to put it in the kindest possible terms, janassaries, paid representatives of our principles...he is under contract to InterMedia; I am under contract to OC.

At one time, Tom, Jim Shepherd and I looked seriously at forming our own Internet company. At that time Tom and I had been released from our contracts at OC and were free agents, but our three "styles" of business were too different for us three to work together. I opted to go back with OC and simultaneously launch DRTV with Marshal Halloway; Tom went with InterMedia.

Two years ago I wrote a show summary for a personal defense show for OC. I felt it was a necessary companion show to SHOOTING GALLERY, the narrow focus matched against SG's broader pallet. I talked the show up a bunch in the industry...later, I was informed by Tom that he and I couldn't discuss my show because he was involved in a "similar launch." Ideas are what they are, and a personal defense show was an obvious idea. I opted to stand down on my show.

When the InterMedia shows weren't renewed, I moved immediately to launch my original show. Contrary to what you may be reading on other forums (or even here on DRTV). the industry was not "stunned" nor "shocked" by the cancellations — in the Real World, business is business and we all saw it coming. Instead, the industry has wholeheartedly embraced my new show at a level that has totally surprised me. I already have a name sponsor and two additional full sponsorships signed for the show,and I expect to fill all all the advertising slots within weeks. We will begin production in June for a Q1 2009 premiere.

Let me share with you a few of the instructors who have jumped to be on the new show:

• Ken Hackathorn — A legend in the training field and acknowledged as one of the masters of the short carbine.
• Rob Haught — Considered the top shotgun trainer in the world.
• Bill Murphy — SG regular, SWAT commander, author of the best civilian concealed carry guide out there, creator of the landmark SureFire low light training for law enforcement and civilians.
• Dave Spaulding — One of the most in-demand civilian and law enforcement trainers presently working; author of Defensive Living and Handgun Combatives.
• Bruce Siddle — Author of the most influential training book of the last two decades, Sharpening the Warrior’s Edge: The Psychology & Science of Training.
• Michael Janich — A regular on SHOOTING GALLERY, one of the American Masters of the Blade, instructor for federal agencies and author of more than a dozen books and videos on self-defense.
• The Staff of the GUNSITE Academy — GUNSITE is the foremost training facility in the world, and they have opened their doors to the new series.
 
Also joining us every week will be another legend in the training field and the single most popular instructor on SHOOTING GALLERY…Walt Rauch. Rauch is former Secret Service agent, former member of the Philadelphia Felony Squad, one of the founders of defensive pistol shooting in the United States and author of the landmark book The Real World — What Has Worked for Me. Walt will have his own slot every week.

My personal favorite comment was from Ken Hackathorn this weekend when I talked to him about the new show. "Dude," Ken said, Ken being the only person in the world who uses the word "dude" more than me, "Dude, just tell me it's not going to be dull!"

"Dude," I replied, "I don't do dull!"

There are three producers of shooting shows — me, Jim Scoutten and InterMedia. Jim Scoutten and I are fierce competitors and have been for years, but the thing we share is that we are both unequivocally committed to quality. We are not part of a giant media conglomerate like Intermedia, which owns a magazine empire, a television network, television shows and heaven knows what else...our names are on our shows, and we live or die by that quality. I sat down for a few minutes with Jim at the NRA Show, and he and I are on the same page...we have and will continue to provide the best shooting sports programming out there.

The new show will be 100% Internet-integrated (as will SG and COWBOYS by 2009), so you will be able to watch the show, then hit the Internet for even more training info, where to purchase what you've seen on the show, forums to discuss show topics, regular live blogs with show experts.

So that's where we are right now. I'm excited and a little scared as well. This is a major expansion of what we're doing. But, as always, my goal is to lead.

Thanks for your support!

Michael B


 

[jnevis]

Press on!!!

And think, you have a large contingent of "average shooters" to bring on and train.  hint, hint; Forum give away idea; "Join MB on (insert show name here) for a lesson from...." 

[Jkwas]

   This is all very interesting in that the market for these shows is actually expanding!  I welcome more variety and I'm glad your show is not moving from OC.  I look forward to the new series on Personal Defense.

[ellis4538]

I'm going to miss PDTV but I am sure you will more than fill the void. I have shot with Rob and Walt and have shot and trained with Ken and am sure they will bring nothing but the best (READ NOT DULL) to your show.  Have enjoyed DRTV, SG and all that goes with it and wish you the best with your new venture.

Richard

[Whiskeyrunner1956]

As one that enjoys your programs, Jim Scoutten's programs and the InterMedia programs, I hope that OC and the Sportsman's Channel wil refrain from scheduling these programs at the same time, forcing us to choose which one to watch.

Jim

[Sponsor]

[tumblebug]

I see an increase in DVR sales comming.

[CurrieS103]

Good Luck MB.  Anything you, Marshall and M'ette lay your hands on IS quality.

[Walter45Auto]

I REALLY gotta get the outdoor channel now...... Sounds like the new show will be awesome, dude!!!! 

[Pathfinder]

MB, thanks for the update. Sorry you had to even say some of the stuff you did. But FTA - "I already have a name sponsor and two additional full sponsorships signed for the show,and I expect to fill all all the advertising slots within weeks. We will begin production in June for a Q1 2009 premiere."

OMG, that is absolutely awesome and fantastic news. And you are right on the money  - great reaction from the industry to get it just that fast. We are all waiting with baited breath. Opps, sorry, you don't do hunting and fishing shows, so we're waiting with locked and loaded breath.

[Rastus]

This is a good thing.

This is not a bad thing.  Whenever a show can go somewhere else to be picked up and another fills the vacuum it is a good thing for our sport.  More shows about shooting is better.  It would be great if the networks broke up shows again and again all the time adding more until the point that shooting shows became a draw on the big "3" networks.

I have a TIVO and I'll be loving it.  If you can't record on two channels simultaneously....I suggest you make preparations to do so.  This is gonna be good!