Outside Magazine, a print destination for all manner of sports and recreation enthusiasts for 35 years, is taking to the screen.
Comcast will add the new network beginning in June, with Colorado and the Rockies in the second wave of an unusual national rollout.
Outside Television will be offered onpackage, a digital upgrade that includes NFL RedZone, CBS Sports Network, Fox College Sports and Tennis Channel. Pricing varies depending on Internet/cable packaging, but generally $8.99 a month extra for those who have the digital upgrade.
The network’s content, all in high-definition, aims to cover “sports, people, places, adventures, discoveries, environmental issues, health, fitness, apparel, trends and events” including some content created specifically for Outside, such as Outside in Aspen. The Outsiden Film Festival includes films fromthe MountainFilm Festival in Telluride
While the network has been available in for a couple of years, this is a major step into mass distribution, a coup for a small network unaffiliated with a major networ/studio.
Programmers have been working for 18 months to cement deals with sponsors, outfitters and video companies, including Warren Miller Entertainment. Some of the programming is branded or underwritten by a sponsor, such as North Face Expeditions.
Mark Burchill, as been Chief Executive Officer at Outside Television since 2007. He was part of the buyout of Resorts Sports Network that led to the formation of Outside Television.
Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com
