The on-air campaign will provide in-depth coverage of the impact of the spill on recreational & commercial fishing in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.  The aim is to raise awareness of the catastrophic impact this spill is having on the entire fishing industry, and to raise money for organizations providing aid and support to those most negatively impacted by the disaster. Throughout the day, WFN will direct viewers to donate to the WFN Gulf Oil Spill Fisherman's Fund, (www.wfn.tv/donate) which support the FishAmerica Foundation's Gulf Fund in support of Gulf Coast restoration efforts, and the Venice Charter Boat and Guide Association.

 "This is a disaster of epic proportions, and the impact on anglers and the fishing industry in the area will be devastating - now and well into the future," said Mark Rubinstein, President & CEO of WFN.  "WFN is making a commitment to the fishing industry in the region, and we're asking all of our viewers, partners and colleagues in and outside the industry to join us and help this important cause."

            In support of WFN's efforts, DISH Network, Charter Communications and AT&T U-verse have already agreed to make WFN available to subscribers for the one-day fundraiser. Charter Communications will be making WFN available to its digital customers in various Charter services areas.  AT&T U-verse will have a WFN free-view available for all U-verse TV HD subscribers June 28 through June 30 to help support affected anglers.

The special is also available to WFN subscribers on Comcast, Verizon, Knology and GVTC. Please check www.wfn.tv/demand for specific channel information.

The network's dedicated day of coverage on June 30th will be anchored by a special 30-minute show, "WFN News: Fishing Crisis in the Gulf" starting at 8 pm ET and repeating throughout the evening. 

Co-hosted by WFN News anchor Jim Van Horne and Emanuel Beliveau, host of WFN Green, the program will report from the fishing areas most impacted by the spill, from Venice to Pensacola, while also taking a closer look at how anglers in other areas are preparing for the worst as the spill spreads.  The show will also tell the stories of those charter captains, guides and anglers most impacted by the disaster, and encourage donations to the fund.  WFN News will also continue its coverage with news reports from the Gulf throughout the summer, with updates from conservation experts and government officials.

WFN also provides comprehensive information with a special website at www.wfn.tv/gulf dedicated to covering the crisis from a fishing perspective.  Also included on the site is a timeline of events, video of news stories, articles from WFN Ambassadors in the area and more. 

"The FishAmerica Foundation is proud to partner with WFN on this initiative to raise awareness and funds in support of restoring sportfisheries and their habitat in the Gulf region," said FishAmerica Foundation Executive Director Johanna Laderman. "We are prepared to step up and help community-based conservation and restoration projects. We encourage WFN viewers and the industry to help the cause on June 30 and beyond."

The foundation will work with state and federal natural resource agencies and community conservation groups to identify and prioritize projects such as wetland creation and restoration, aquatic vegetation planting, rebuilding angler access and reestablishing fish passage in the Gulf region.

The Venice Charter Boat and Guide Association is comprised of charter boat captains from South Plaquemines Parish - the most popular fishing destination in the Gulf.  The organization has been created to protect the interests of charter boat captains and ensure that, after the crisis is over, the commercial and recreational fishing industry can get back on its feet.

The FishAmerica Foundation is the fisheries conservation and research foundation of the American Sportfishing Association. FishAmerica is dedicated to keeping our fish and waters healthy to improve the sportfishing success. The foundation awards grant for local projects to enhance fish populations, restore fish habitat, improve water quality and advance fisheries research. Since 1983, FishAmerica has awarded more than $11 million to over 1,000 projects.

 

About WFN: World Fishing Network

Like millions of anglers across the continent, WFN is committed to supporting important conservation issues and groups that are fighting to preserve North America's waterways and fisheries.  WFN is also dedicated to using its resources and powerful media platform to help grow the sport by promoting and championing groups and organizations that are helping to inspire a new generation of anglers to appreciate and respect the world's natural wonders. 

 

WFN: World Fishing Network is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to all segments of fishing with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more. WFN's wide-ranging programming lineup includes primetime theme nights, regional bureaus from across the nation, a selection of the best international series and the most diverse species coverage of any TV channel. Featuring popular programs hosted by the world's top anglers, the network also delivers a weekly news program, WFN News, and the schedule includes a variety of exclusive lifestyle shows including Hookin' up with Mariko Izumi. WFN also delivers the beauty of fishing in stunning High Definition with WFN HD, a separate network that delivers 100 percent High Definition programming 24/7.

 

Originally launched in December 2005, today WFN and WFN HD are available in more than 20 million households through North American cable, satellite and telecommunications distributors.  In the U.S., distributors include AT&T U-verse,

Charter Communications, Comcast, DISH Network, Verizon FiOS and others. For more information, visit http://www.WFN.TV.

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Media Contacts: Doug Drotman - WFN (631-462-1198 or doug@drotmanpr.com)