In this day and age, it's typical to hear about various fires between networks and cable providers. There was the Comcast-Versus battle that eventually ended, and right now Time Warner's locked in battle with Disney-ESPN over the ESPN3 Internet channel. So it's at least a little refreshing to hear that one channel and provider are cooperating to help outdoors folks.
Sportsman Channel and Dish Network recently announced a new deal whereby Sportsman will be available to Dish subscribers as an a la carte option in SD or HD (channel 395). Sportsman Channel will then funnel this year's proceeds from the a la carte pricing to a special Sportsman Fund created in cooperation with the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) to benefit Gulf Coast habitat restoration and research. CCA is one of the largest nonprofit marine-conservation groups in America.
To help support and bring awareness to the effort, Dish is offering a free preview of Sportsman Channel from Sept. 3–28. Additionally, Sportsman will run on-air crawls and promotional spots, with support online at SportsmanChannel.com and through social networks like Facebook and Twitter.
Outdoor enthusiasts can subscribe to Sportsman Channel a la carte by visiting DishNetwork.com.com.
In announcing the program, Sportsman CEO Gavin Harvey said: "Because we're donating our monthly fee to CCA, every new Sportsman Channel SD and HD a la carte subscriber on DISH Network is helping Gulf-region sportsmen, families and wildlife. We're proud to join Dish Network and CCA in this drive to raise money and also to raise awareness that Gulf communities still need our support."
CCA president Pat Murray noted: "We're thankful to have this unique partnership with Sportsman Channel and Dish Network that helps to raise awareness and vital funds to restore the Gulf of Mexico. There are some very positive programs and signs of progress occurring throughout the Gulf, but there's still much to do. This generous program will be an important part of restoring and enhancing the Gulf's fragile habitats."
