The Water Channel, the world's first television network devoted exclusively to water lifestyle
programming, is now broadcasting 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. The only network that showcases water related sports, family lifestyles, water recreation and leisure entertainment, continues its nationwide expansion by adding Time Warner Cable beginning in New York, Minnesota and Ohio. The Water Channel is now carried to over 15 million homes by Dish Network and Time Warner Cable.
With the expansion of its reach and broadcast day, The Water Channel will add new shows to its lineup that already includes boat racing, extreme water sports, fishing, entertainment and travel programming. The network is also adding theme nights Monday through Friday from 7:00pm - 10:00pm EST. Viewers will be able to enjoy their favorite water lifestyle shows showcased on Mondays in Paradise, Tuesdays on Deck, Wet and Radical Wednesdays, Full Throttle Thursdays and Fish On! Fridays. Collectively these programs focus on everything that is in, on or around the water.
In addition to Dish Network channel 217, The Water Channel can now be seen on Time Warner Cable channel 130 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, channel 288 in northeast Ohio and channel 187 in Binghamptom, New York. Expansion to other Time Warner Cable systems as well as Cox Cable nationwide will continue this fall. The Water Channel is currently in negotiations with other cable operators throughout the country and expects to eventually reach 45 million households nationwide within the year.
"We have already heard from our viewers that they love the concept of a network devoted exclusively to their passion for the water and now we can offer even more targeted programming. The expansion of the schedule means more fishing, more extreme water sports, more adventure and travel shows and more racing." said Jay Cascio, executive vice president of programming. "Plus, the themed programming nights give us a chance to offer a wide variety of water related shows but also let those with special interests have a night of programming all their own."
Viewer feedback solicited through the website since the change to the 24-hour schedule clearly illustrates that the network is connecting with America's water enthusiasts. Typical e-mail comments from viewers include, "I switched satellite companies to have you guys", "YOU'RE GREAT!!!", "Heaven on earth!", "I think you are doing a great job and it's nice to have a channel that the whole family can enjoy", and "You've hit a homerun!"
In addition to increased entertainment programming, The Water Channel is also offering more hours of Club Blue, a home shopping program that features special discounts on marine related products such as inflatable boats, life jackets, towables, wakeboards, boat propellers, model boats, nautical gifts and more. In addition to phone orders, Club Blue shopping is also available on waterchannel.com where over 300,000 products can be purchased 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Club Blue stands apart from other home shopping programs with the use of a state-of-the-art, computer generated virtual set. One hour Club Blue shows are scheduled to air weekdays at 3:00pm and 6:00pm EST. Expansion to a 24-hour schedule has already made a positive impact, resulting in a 297% increase in Club Blue product sales.
Industry leaders from both televison and the marine field see a promising future for The Water Channel. "You have finally given the marine industry a voice and a platform and we are fully behind you," says Thom Dammrich, president, National Marine Manufacturers Association.
Tony Thomopoulos, former president of the ABC Broadcast Group comments, "In the current 'long tail' world there is no doubt that the Water Channel is filling and has captured the exciting niche world of the water lifestyles, one that is deep and wide.a powerful concept and accomplishment.. Congratulations"
ABOUT THE WATER CHANNEL
The Water Channel is owned and operated by MCE Television Networks Inc., headquartered in Everett, Washington with production offices and studios in Seattle, Washington as well as satellite sales offices across the country. For more information, contact Jay Cascio at (206) 547-2730 extension 222 or visit their Web site at www.waterchannel.com.
