On November 10, NickerTV charges out of the gate with an initial offering of 26 different equestrian channels all dedicated to a variety of horse-oriented themes and subjects. Nicker Network will be the first Internet-based, on-demand multi-channel television network targeted to the horse world.
Each channel will have its own selection of programs, with new ones being added to the rosters on a regular basis. Programs will be available for viewing at no cost, with additional options for viewers to download programs to buy or rent, as well as to purchase DVDs.
Channels dedicated to news, shows and events, veterinary medicine, entertainment-oriented documentaries, magazine programs, children and youth, and training channels specific to disciplines and/or individual trainers or clinicians will be part of the launch offerings. The channel line-up will grow substantially during 2008 as the network expands into its own original series production, and establishes home shopping and real estate channels and other horse-oriented channel offerings.
Sally Lasater, founder and Managing Director of Nicker Communications, said, "Everyone working on this project is truly excited, not only for those people who will enjoy and use the network as a source for knowledge and entertainment, but also for the equestrian industry itself. Organizations and associations will soon start to take advantage of the free channels we've set aside for their use as broadcast outlets for meetings and member functions and events of all kinds."
She continued, "While driving enthusiasts will find Blinkers&TugsTV right up their alley, PiaffeTV will be there for the dressage folks and VetBarnTV will cover all sorts of health and maintenance subjects. Stick&BallTV is obviously for polo people, but PegasusTV will have documentaries and magazine shows for everyone. I think that people will be amazed at what's been created, and we all can't wait for the feedback. Obviously we'll have to adapt and modify as the network and its technology expands, but Nicker's right there on the cutting edge and intends to be there quite a while. Truly, it's what you want to watch, when you want to watch, how you want to watch. "
Jim Matison, former Executive Director of the HorseTV Industry Council and long-time advocate for equestrian television, is currently heading up all marketing and sponsorship development for Nicker Communications. He explained the unique way that companies within the industry were also going to benefit from Nicker Network.
"The free streaming aspect of Nicker Network is ad-supported, and companies provide us with short video or multi-media ads for insertion at the head of program segments. The best news is that there is absolutely no cost to companies for these ads unless someone actually watches the ad. Accompanying banners and "click-throughs" are completely free and thrown in as a bonus to advertisers. It's a totally "win-win" situation. No long-term commitments, no upfront charges, and companies will know exactly how many people saw their ad. It's a great program and completely different from print or the traditional Internet banner ad structure. Current data about video ads on the Internet indicates that the documented response is going through the roof. Companies part of the Nicker Network family will actually get what they pay for!"
Nicker Network will be available to anyone with a broadband connection anywhere in the world. Content providers, including producers specializing in all areas of equestrian lifestyles and disciplines, are invited to contact the company for program submission information.
Content provider and advertising information is now available on the Nicker website, as well as the list of initial channels scheduled for launch.