Outdoor Channel 2 HD(SM) Announces Soft Launch

Outdoor Channel 2 HD(SM) Announces Soft Launch

New High-Def Network Now Fully Available to Cable and Satellite Operators

TEMECULA, Calif., April 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Management of The Outdoor Channel, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:OUTD), announced that its new high-definition network -- Outdoor Channel 2 HD -- is now fully operational and available to cable and satellite operators. The announcement was made at a press conference held yesterday from the floor of NCTA's National Show in San Francisco (www.thenationalshow.com).

Marked by an in-house ceremony with staff and crew gathered in the master control room at Outdoor Channel headquarters, CEO Andy Dale flipped the switch at 3:00 p.m. Pacific on Thursday of last week, officially launching the new, all HD network.

Outdoor Channel 2 HD has now officially begun its rollout to cable and satellite operators, and plans to launch a full media and marketing campaign to consumers on July 1st.

"Our programming is a perfect match for high-definition," said Outdoor Channel CEO Andy Dale. "Outdoor Channel 2 HD will be the first network to capture and present the true brilliance of nature in concert with exciting outdoor action entirely in high-definition."

In May 2004, The Outdoor Channel(TM) announced plans to launch its new and separate network offering the Channel's popular outdoor programming entirely in high-definition. Outdoor Channel 2 HD began its aggressive schedule of HD production during the fourth quarter of 2003, and continues to expand its HD library in response to the thriving community of loyal Outdoor Channel enthusiasts and the network's commitment to providing the best in traditional outdoor programming to its growing audience. The new network will offer exclusive new programming in addition to select fan favorites from the existing 'The Outdoor Channel,' all filmed entirely in real (not up- converted), high-definition.

About The Outdoor Channel

The Outdoor Channel is a national television network dedicated to providing the best in traditional outdoor programming to America's 82 million anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. The network airs approximately 100 weekly programs featuring hunting, fishing and shooting sports, as well as off road motor sports and other related lifestyle programming. Based on April 2005 Nielsen Media Research estimates, The Outdoor Channel's universe is approximately 24.4 million subscriber homes -- delivered through a combination of cable and satellite dish viewers. For more information about The Outdoor Channel, please visit www.outdoorchannel.com.

About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.

Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:OUTD) is the owner of The Outdoor Channel and also owns and operates related businesses that serve the interests of viewers of The Outdoor Channel and other outdoor enthusiasts. These related businesses include LDMA-AU, Inc. (Lost Dutchman's) and Gold Prospector's Association of America, LLC. (GPAA). For more information about Outdoor Channel Holdings, visit www.outdoorchannelholdings.com.

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), including statements, without limitation, regarding expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies about the future. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in any forward-looking statements. Outdoor Channel Holdings 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 Outdoor Channel Holdings' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For these forward-looking statements, Outdoor Channel Holdings claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.

Source: Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.

CONTACT: Mike Hiles, +1-310-234.3200, mhiles@mphpr.com, for Outdoor
Channel Holdings, Inc.

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

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

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

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