Outdoor Channel Reaches Agreement With Alaska's GCI Cable to Add Subscribers

Outdoor Channel Reaches Agreement With Alaska's GCI Cable to Add Subscribers

TEMECULA, Calif., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Outdoor Channel Holdings (NASDAQ:OUTD) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, The Outdoor Channel (TOC), has reached an agreement with Alaska's primary cable supplier, GCI Cable Systems, that will add approximately 85,000 additional subscribers to the channel. Through the agreement, TOC will move from GCI's Digital Sports Tier to its most widely distributed Preferred Service in the Anchorage, Fairbanks, Palmer and Wasilla markets. The upgrade takes effect October 1, 2005.

"This agreement is in line with our strategic goal to build The Outdoor Channel's subscriber base to 40 million homes within a few years," said Perry T. Massie, chairman and chief executive of Outdoor Channel Holdings. "Since raising the capital to pursue this strategy, we are pleased to have achieved this first multiple system agreement -- especially in Alaska where the appreciation for The Outdoor Channel's authentic programming runs so high. We continue to be actively engaged with our current affiliates as well as potential new affiliates in negotiating carriage agreements for new or additional carriage."

In July 2005, Outdoor Channel Holdings completed a follow on offering, raising approximately $44 million. The majority of the new capital is being used for expanded marketing and sales efforts, including the payment of launch support, a regular practice in the cable industry. Simultaneously, the company is working to gain significant distribution of its high definition channel, Outdoor Channel 2 HD.

About GCI

GCI (NASDAQ:GNCMA) is the largest Alaska-based and operated integrated telecommunications provider. A pioneer in bundled services, GCI provides local, wireless, and long distance telephone, cable television, Internet and data communication services throughout Alaska. More information about the company can be found at www.gci.com.

About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.

Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. owns and operates The Outdoor Channel, a national television network dedicated to providing traditional outdoor programming to America's 82 million anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. The Outdoor Channel features approximately 100 weekly programs featuring hunting, fishing and shooting sports, as well as off road motor sports and other related lifestyle programming. Nielsen Media Research estimates The Outdoor Channel's universe, through a combination of cable and satellite dish subscribers, to be approximately 25.6 million homes for October 2005. The company also owns and operates related businesses that serve the interests of viewers of The Outdoor Channel and other outdoor enthusiasts, including Outdoor Channel 2 HD, LDMA-AU, Inc. (Lost Dutchman's) and Gold Prospector's Association of America, LLC (GPAA).

Safe Harbor Statement

Information in this news release that is not historical fact may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). These forward looking statements include, without limitation, the company's ability to achieve its subscriber growth objectives. The company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in any forward-looking statements. The company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions contained in those sections. In assessing forward-looking statements, readers are urged to read carefully all cautionary statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For these forward-looking statements, the company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Source: Outdoor Channel Holdings

CONTACT: Perry T. Massie, President and Chief Executive Officer, or William A. Owen, Chief Financial Officer, +1-951-699-4749, both of Outdoor Channel Holdings; or Investor Relations, Cecilia A. Wilkinson or Angie Yang, Corporate/Financial Communications, +1-310-279-5980, investor@pondel.com, both of PondelWilkinson Inc., for Outdoor Channel Holdings

Web site: http://www.gci.com/

------- Profile: Ent