OFAH Media Release
OFAH FILE: 842
September 5, 2012
For Immediate Release
OFAH shocked by recent Shaw Media/Global Television decision
Network suddenly drops successful hunting programs
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), producers of the award winning Angler and Hunter
Television (AHTV) program, currently seen on the Shaw Media/Global Television network, is profoundly
disappointed with the network’s recent decision to remove all programming with hunting content from the network
by year’s end.
“Angler and Hunter TV has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Shaw Media/Global Television. By Global’s
own admission, over one million viewers tune into the great Canadian block of outdoor shows including AHTV,”
said OFAH Executive Director Angelo Lombardo. “The fact that Global had previously acknowledged the important
conservation message that anglers and hunters embrace, and publicly recognized the appeal of shows like AHTV to
the broader public, calls into question the decision to remove these shows from their broadcast line-up and the
motive for doing so. As disappointed as we are at this turn of events, AHTV will continue to broadcast on Shaw
Media/Global Television until the end of the year. Discussions are underway to ensure that AHTV continues to
deliver the same high quality outdoor programming in 2013 and beyond.”
Canadian hunters and anglers have been leaders in fish and wildlife conservation for well over a century, and along
with their American counterparts, were the driving force behind the creation of the North American Model for
Wildlife Conservation which continues to govern the way wildlife is managed to this day. Hunters in Canada donate
more than one million hours annually to conservation and projects specifically designed to maintain and improve
wildlife habitat.
Hunting is part of our Canadian heritage, and recognized as such through legislation in several provinces and at the
federal level with the recent appointment by Prime Minister Stephen Harper of a national hunting and angling
advisory panel. That panel, which is similar in nature to the U.S. Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation
Council, will provide expert advice to the government on fish and wildlife conservation issues, recognizing anglers
and hunter’s expertise in these matters.
Anglers and hunters contribute more than $10 billion annually to the Canadian economy. In Ontario alone, the
contributions from fishing and hunting licence revenues fund two-thirds, or roughly $68 million, of all fish and
wildlife programs delivered by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
“Over its twenty year history, AHTV has set the standard for Canadian outdoor broadcasting. In 2010 AHTV was
voted Best Fishing Show by Wild TV viewers, in 2011 took home the prestigious Wild TV Grizzly Lifetime
Achievement Award, and in 2012 was voted Fan Favourite, Best Educational/Conservation Show. We take great
pride in the integrity and quality of the programming on AHTV and look forward to continuing that tradition,
regardless of efforts to mute or silence the important message the program delivers,” said Lombardo.
With over 100,000 members, supporters and subscribers, and 675 member clubs, the OFAH is the largest non-profit
conservation based organization in Ontario. For more information, visit www.ofah.org and stay connected with
Facebook and Twitter.
-30Media Contact:
Shannon Gutoskie
Greg Farrant
OFAH Manager of Communications
Manager of Government Affairs & Policy
705-748-6324 ext 270
705-748-6324 ext 236
shannon_gutoskie@ofah.org
greg_farrant@ofah.org