• by Fern Siegel , December 8, 2008

Sports-oriented DirecTV customers are getting a new channel by the end of January. The Sportsman Channel will be distributed on DirecTV, available in its Choice Xtra package. Owned by InterMedia Outdoors, the 5-year-old TSC targets the 50 million-plus American sportsmen.

"Sportsmen" here has a specific focus. The Sportsman Channel, which delivers hunting, fishing and shooting programming, services the entertainment needs of outdoor enthusiasts.

InterMedia recently acquired Barrett Productions, a leading producer of outdoors, adventure and sports TV programs, and added them to The Sportsman Channel lineup. Its most popular shows include "Fly Fishing the World" and "Guns & Ammo." The net is also creating new shows, such as "Tactical Impact," "Arrow Affliction" and "Ice Fishing Guide."

"The Sportsman Channel and its terrific line-up of branded outdoor programming is a welcome addition to our robust programming lineup," said Derek Chang, executive vice president, content strategy and development, DirecTV. He calls the Sportsman Channel a "must-have for outdoor enthusiasts," and says carriage reinforces DirecTV's position "as the leading provider of outdoor programming to consumers."

For Sportsman, the deal capitalizes on its print, online and TV portfolio "to make TSC the preeminent channel in the space," adds InterMedia Outdoors CEO Jeff Paro.

DirecTV is available to more than 17.3 million customers in the U.S.