NEW YORK – Verizon, the cable, mobile and internet provider, has dropped Outdoor Channel from its television carriage service. Verizon's latest action against the Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks – the world's largest aggregator and content provider for outdoor lifestyle programming – has raised the ire of outdoor enthusiasts across the country including AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.

This action comes on the heels of Verizon's recent drop of Outdoor Channel sister network Sportsman Channel in early September. More than 130 million Americans engage in some form of outdoor lifestyle activity and response to these actions does not sit well within this passionate and loyal group.

"We have more than six and a half million members who make the outdoors an important part of their lives," said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. "We are disappointed that Verizon has chosen to take these actions against Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel. Working people can't be silenced by big corporate interests, and will stand up to fight back against this unfair move by Verizon."

"Our partners, advocates and viewers of outdoor lifestyle programming are very disappointed with Verizon's actions in the last month," said Jim Liberatore, CEO and President of Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks. "It should concern all Americans that one company can silence the only relevant voice of an entire industry with the flip of a switch."

As a result of Verizon's drop of Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel, the television, phone and internet provider no longer offers any of the leading networks for outdoor enthusiasts. Consequently, the alternative Verizon is touting does not offer any similar top programming

Check local listings or visi www.OutdoorChannel.com/ChannelFinder to find the network and providers in your area.

About Outdoor Channel: Outdoor Channel has been taking viewers across America and around the world on unparalleled adventures since 1993. Dedicated to the outdoor lifestyle and conservation, the independent cable network is a division of Outdoor Sportsman Group and provides a complete spectrum of riveting hunting, fishing, shooting and adventure entertainment. Outdoor Channel is received by more than 40 million U.S. households – the largest outdoor TV footprint in the country – and is available in more than 50 countries internationally. Outdoor Channel can be viewed in HD and is accessible by broadband and mobile platforms. For program times and other information, visi www.outdoorchannel.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and download our iPhone and iPad app. #WhatGetsYouOutdoors

About Outdoor Sportsman Group: Outdoor Sportsman Group is comprised of the world's foremost media and entertainment brands for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It includes three leading multichannel networks: Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network. The Group also consists of a number of established integrated media assets: 15 outdoor magazines, such as Guns & Ammo, Petersen's Bowhunting and Florida Sportsman, and 17 top websites, including BassFan.com. Additionally, Outdoor Sportsman Group includes television production operations, Winnercomm, as well as aerial camera businesses, SkyCam and CableCam.


MEDIA CONTACT:

Tom Caraccioli | Director of Communications| Outdoor Sportsman Group - Networks

1040 Avenue of the Americas – 12th FL, New York, NY 10018
Office: 212.852.6646 | tcaraccioli@thesportsmanchannel.com