Back9Network Makes First Talent Hire Announcements

And rest assured, Ahmad is still locked in for Back9's big September 29 debut on DirecTV. Speaking of humor, interesting to note they are playing up that element of their coverage.

For Immediate Release:

BACK9NETWORK Announces Talent to Headline Studio Programming

About BACK9NETWORK: BACK9NETWORK is a golf lifestyle cable television network and media company based in Hartford, Connecticut.  BACK9NETWORK was developed as a complementary alternative to traditional media's focus on professional golf tournament coverage.  Focused on compelling storytelling, interesting personalities, features and fashions, interviews and instruction, travel, gear and much more, fans of all kinds will want to hang with the BACK9NETWORK.  BACK9NETWORK.com, the online clubhouse for BACK9NETWORK, delivers a fresh perspective on the golf lifestyle and its worldwide influence.  BACK9NETWORK’S leadership includes respected and outspoken executives from the golf and media industries.  For further information, visit www.BACK9NETWORK.com, @BACK9NETWORK on Twitter or BACK9NETWORKTV's YouTube Channel.

A unique blend of entertainers to join BACK9NETWORK

HARTFORD, CONN., September 18, 2014 - BACK9NETWORK, the 24/7 golf lifestyle network, announced today the addition to its talent roster of Shane Bacon, Erica Bachelor, Matty Blake, Caite Upton, Jeff Rude, John Maginnes, and Will Christien. The group of on-air personalities will headline the network’s studio shows as the network debuts on DIRECTV on September 29th. BACK9NETWORK, located on DIRECTV channel 262, will launch with nearly 1,100 hours of original programming in its first year including midday and evening studio shows entitled “The Turn,” “Off-Par” and “The Clubhouse.”

“While we will certainly pay attention to professional golf’s leaderboard, our coverage will focus on the lifestyle of the game where golf enthusiasts are spending their time and money — the courses and resorts they can play, the latest fashion, gadgets and equipment, and the behind-the-scenes stories that will highlight the personalities and characters that make golf so much fun,” said Scot Thor, Senior VP of Programming, BACK9NETWORK. “We’re dedicated to introducing lifestyle entertainment to the game of golf while respecting its values and traditions, and we’ve brought on some incredibly talented people to emphasize the depth, humility and humor in the game.”

BACK9NETWORK’S flagship hour of golf, pop culture, debate, and entertainment will be delivered on “The Turn,” which will premiere Monday, September 29^th. Co-hosted by Shane Bacon and Erica Bachelor, “The Turn” will air on BACK9NETWORK daily at Noon and 7 PM Eastern.

Bacon, a veteran cbssports.com and Yahoo! Sports golf writer, and Bachelor, former E! Network host, will tackle the industry’s biggest topics by blending news, analysis and user-generated content with behind-the-scenes perspectives from the game’s most colorful icons and personalities.

“Golf is a universal sport that tends to stick with people as they grow older, and I can't wait to join a group that remembers that first and foremost, golf should be fun," said Bacon.

Co-hosted by acclaimed comedian and actor Matty Blake, and American model Caite Upton, "Off Par” is an inventive look at the world of golf and entertainment, with a comedic twist. Blake, Upton, and a rotating cast of characters will deliver free-flowing laughs in the form of viral internet videos, user-generated social media content, golf-themed skits, and guest appearances by other comedians. The program will air weeknights at 8PM Eastern.

“I’ve long said there’s a difference between loving the game of golf and taking it too seriously. BACK9NETWORK gets it,” said Blake. “I can’t wait to get started and share my thoughts on everything golf and pop-culture.”

Former PGA Tour pro John Maginnes, former Golfweek Senior Writer Jeff Rude, and women’s extreme sports champion Will Christien will co-host “The Clubhouse” which will air on weeknights at 10 PM Eastern. The playful banter of Christien, Maginnes, and Rude will echo the conversations one would hear at the 19^th hole.  The trio’s no-holds-barred conversations will cover the latest happenings both on and off the course, as they incorporate questions and guidance from viewers at home, celebrities and the game’s professionals.

“John and Jeff come from the golf world, they've known each other for years and can literally finish each other’s sentences. I’m the new kid, but I definitely don’t feel that way, it's such a fun dynamic.” said Christien. “Our show is a conversation; we talk about life, but use golf as a theme. It’s for you if you’ve played once and it’s for you if you play every day.” 

In addition, BACK9NETWORK will utilize Charles Everett and Universo Pereira as network co-hosts. Everett is a veteran voice, theatre, and television actor, and Periera has both television and stage experience.  Alexis Morgan (TV Personality/Reporter) and Katie Sundseth (TV Personality/Model) join the network as lifestyle correspondents. All will offer personalized, satirical, and at times brutally honest opinions on what’s trending in golf on “The Turn,” “Off Par” and “The Clubhouse.”

BACK9NETWORK Executive Producer Ahmad Rashad was previously announced as host of BACK9NETWORK’s “AHMAD RASHAD,” which will premiere on BACK9NETWORK Monday, September 29^th at 9 PM Eastern. “AHMAD RASHAD” is one of three BACK9NETWORK 30-minute, original primetime series. Others include “Golf Treasures,” and “Ball Hogs,” which will air weeknights at 9 pm Eastern.