Outdoor Channel, the nation's leader in outdoor entertainment, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. After three full decades it remains fully committed to the founding principles and spirit instilled by George Massie, the man whose passion for the great outdoors inspired millions. From humble beginnings in the early 1990s to a television powerhouse today, Outdoor Channel has continuously evolved, bringing the best in hunting, shooting, fishing and adventure into viewers’ homes.
“As we mark the 30th anniversary of Outdoor Channel, it’s a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared and the profound impact the channel has had on the outdoor community,” said Mike Carney, president & CEO of Outdoor Sportsman Group. “As an industry veteran, I’ve always felt Outdoor Channel has been more than just a broadcaster; it’s been a companion for those of us who live to explore the wilderness. I’ve welcomed the opportunity to revisit the past during this process as we look forward.”
NRA’s American Rifleman TV premiered in 2003, and for the last decade its home has been the Outdoor Channel. It airs four times each week on the outlet and full episodes of the popular show are later made available online. Individual reviews, quick tips and more are also found here on the American Rifleman website.
Outdoor Channel’s Rich Legacy
The late George Massie, affectionately known as “the buzzard,” was not only the founder of Outdoor Channel but also a fervent gold prospector and advocate for the rights of miners. He eventually created Outdoor Channel Holdings, of which his son, Perry T. Massie became CEO. The channel’s commitment to quality broadcasting and best-in-class programming continues to this day.
Outdoor Channel Holdings sprang into life in 1983, inspired by the legacy of George Massie, a modern-day prospector and host of the channel’s flagship program. By the 1990s the network launched on several multi-system operators and satellite operators. By the 2000s, it began to emerge as the go-to network for all things outdoors by attracting leading experts and personalities in the field. The channel was acquired by Kroenke Sports Entertainment in 2013 and became part of Outdoor Sportsman Group, along with Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, MyOutdoorTV and numerous outdoor-industry leading firms.
