TEMECULA, Calif., Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Outdoor Channel, America's Leader In Outdoor TV, today announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with the National Rifle Association (NRA). The partnership, which brings together the top two brands in the outdoor arena, spans a variety of platforms including programming, events, advertising, marketing and digital initiatives. As a result of the strength of their combined assets, Outdoor Channel and the NRA will reach an audience of more than 45 million outdoor enthusiasts.

Outdoor Channel and the NRA will leverage their reach across their respective television, print and digital platforms to provide the highest quality entertainment and experiences to the hunters, shooters and outdoor enthusiasts of the U.S. Most notably, Outdoor Channel is unveiling two new NRA TV shows to its robust 2014 line-up: "NRA All Access presented by Taurus" and "NRA's Gun Gurus," formerly "NRA's Guns & Gold."

"NRA All Access presented by Taurus" premiered on Outdoor Channel on Sunday, January 5th at 10 p.m. ET and "NRA's Gun Gurus" will air starting late-March/early-April. The introduction of the TV shows will further enhance and solidify the network's commitment to the shooting genre. Popular Outdoor Channel programs within that category include the NRA's "American Rifleman TV," as well as "MidwayUSA's Gun Stories" and "The Best Defense."

Furthermore, Outdoor Channel will be the presenting sponsor of the inaugural Great American Outdoor Show [February 1-9, 2014 | Harrisburg, PA] and the 2014 NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits [April 25-27, 2014 | Indianapolis, IN] – both produced by the NRA.

"Outdoor Channel is proud to continue our partnership with the NRA and to use that partnership to engage, entertain, inform and generate excitement for our viewers and the future of the outdoor lifestyle," said Jim Liberatore, President and CEO, Outdoor Channel. "We look forward to working with them to develop creative and unique ways to interact with and engage enthusiasts in the space, such as the debut of two new NRA shows on our network and our participation in their premier trade shows."

"As an outdoor lifestyle network with a rich 20-year history, Outdoor Channel continues to invest in collaborative ways to appeal to passionate consumers who are looking to celebrate and protect our great American values," said Kyle Weaver, Executive Director, NRA General Operations. "Coupled with the NRA's historic heritage, we aim to explore new opportunities to make powerful, emotional connections."

New Shows:

"NRA All Access presented by Taurus"

"NRA All Access presented by Taurus" takes a comprehensive look at the role the NRA plays in important Second Amendment issues and the outdoor lifestyle. The half-hour TV series will introduce viewers to the NRA's relationship with entertainers, athletes, veterans, and everyday Americans who have a deep passion for gun ownership and the shooting sports tradition. From entertaining and educational storytelling to eye-opening exclusive interviews, audiences will get a first-hand look into the programs and people of the NRA. The show is hosted by hunting couple Matt Duff, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, and Jessie Duff, a world-class shooter.

"NRA's Gun Gurus"

NRA's Gun Gurus, Jim Supica and Phil Schreier, bring over a half century of experience in firearm history. Together, they travel across the country, making stops at NRA's National Firearms Museum and NRA's National Sporting Arms Museum, meeting everyday people who discover whether their old firearm is worth much more than they had imagined or only has sentimental value.

About Outdoor Channel

Taking viewers across America and around the world on unparalleled adventures since 1993, Outdoor Channel is America's Leader In Outdoor TV. Dedicated to the outdoor lifestyle and conservation, the independent cable network is a division of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, LLC and provides a complete spectrum of riveting hunting, fishing, shooting and adventure entertainment. Outdoor Channel is received by 39.1 million U.S. households – the largest outdoor TV footprint in the country – and is available in more than 50 countries internationally. Outdoor Channel can be viewed in HD and is accessible by broadband and mobile platforms. For program times and other information, visit www.outdoorchannel.com. Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook, and download our iPhone and iPad app.

About the National Rifle Association

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Five million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and is the leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.

SOURCE Outdoor Channel