The #1 question received daily through emails and phone calls is this:
When will Cowboys return with new episodes?
Awhile back, we reported that Cowboys is on hiatus, meaning that the Outdoor Channel programming department said no to new productions for 2011.
We changed the format for the last 2 seasons and was able to deliver on specific requests. We also saw increasing numbers in positive feedback about the show, specifically from those who requested more emphasis on Cowboy Action Shooting and Old West firearms. So..... we had some hopes for 2012.
Unfortunately, the new format was not enough to convince the Outdoor Channel executives to keep the show on broadcast. Hatch Entertainment, the company in charge of production has been notified that there will be no new contract in the foreseeable future.
We are all proud of the fact that we have been able to keep this going and the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting is the only shooting sport who has had a show on air this long and dedicated to all the activities and interests related to it. Over the years, I have personally been talking to thousands of individuals who claim they got into the sport and even bought their first firearms thanks to the show.
It has also been a door opener to other activities and interests and many of our loyal viewers of Best Defense and Shooting Gallery are cowboy action shooters.
From my standpoint and a person who has been an active supporter and promoter of all shooting sports and a second amendment absolutist for almost 20 years, I will say: I was right and Mission Accomplished ! Cowboy Action Shooting with over 120,000 active shooters worldwide across 3 continents has created an activity wider than the sport itself. Our online promotions and the TV show have both been an active component to all this and I am proud to have been part of it.
Now.... does all this mean that we think the show Cowboys is dead?
Cowboys going off the air, has triggered a concern in the industry and among those who are involved in the administration of the sport, nationally and locally. I have spend countless hours on the phone the last few weeks discussing the consequences and the "what ifs".
Executive producer Michael Bane and I have also spent quite some time discussing this as well and have looked at several options.
We accept the fact that Cowboys is a niche within the niche even though ratings show that we reach a good portion of the viewers who are enjoying shows like Shooting Gallery and The Best Defense. We are also acknowledging the fact that niche shows like Cowboys have an increasing audience on the Internet. We also add to the mix the fact that many do not subscribe to Outdoor Channel especially in urban areas where a good portion of the cowboy action shooters live. We also experience a growing number of people who prefer watching shows on the Internet and as a cheaper alternative to cable and satellite.
Up until now, the rule of thumb has been that Internet videos have to be short. This is no longer the case with better technology, faster Internet service and as mentioned above, Internet has become an alternative TV channel. YouTube, iTunes and other distribution options together with our own family of web sites are being considered as part of what we call Cowboys Online.
We believe we will over time reach an even bigger audience for a niche show like Cowboys with an an online 24/7 availability mixing the best of 8 seasons of Cowboys with new content hosted by "regulars" and also guest hosts picked out among well known personalities within the sport.
A broadband production is also more flexible allowing a broader content than we have produced in the past and where we can actually air "pilots" to check the response of new content.
Status is that we are moving towards a broadband/Internet solution for the show Cowboys.
We welcome your support and feel free to throw some ideas in the ring in terms of content. Spread the word about this thread to your cowboy action shooting friends and let's see what we can do together.
We will keep you in the loop on progress and final decision.
Marshal H.
Project Coordinator
Cowboys Online
Author
