December 15, 2011 at 9:04 PM

NASHVILLE (December 15, 2011) –Great American Country's exclusive live coverage of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas (Dec. 1-10) delivered a network record 9.8 million viewers across all telecasts (4.1 million adults 25-54)1 – a level GAC President Ed Hardy called "historic."

The GAC coverage connected the interest country music enthusiasts have for rodeo with the artists they love, including fan favorites Trace Adkins, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and Chris Young in the network's coverage of the event. Additionally, artist Craig Morgan acted as a roving reporter for seven "inside the WNFR" episodes produced by GAC to take viewers behind the scenes of the big event.

"The connection between country music fans and the rodeo lifestyle has never been stronger," Hardy said. "Our bringing live coverage of the entire Wrangler NFR has brought hundreds of thousands of new fans to experience both WNFR and GAC."

This year marks GAC's first as the home of the WNFR, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. GAC also carries the PRCA's Xtreme Bulls Tour, as well as its championship rodeos. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo draws nearly 200,000 fans to the Thomas & Mack Arena each year. The event is sold out years in advance.

"This is, as they say, a 'good ride,'" Hardy said. "There is no better fit than GAC viewers, country music fans, and fans of professional rodeo. We can't wait 'til next year."

"The PRCA is overwhelmingly pleased with the move to GAC," said PRCA Commissioner Karl Stressman. "We strongly believe that GAC's commitment to the PRCA, including consistent time slots, LIVE coverage of all 10 rounds of the Wrangler NFR and year-round promotion will not only help us better serve our current fan base, but will also provide our great sport with the depth and quality of coverage that will help us develop new fans. The success of this year's WNFR only proves our shared synergies and we are looking forward to a continued partnership with GAC."

Don't miss the 10th Night Wrap Party from The Mirage, only on GAC. Airing tonight at 8 p.m. (ET) and repeating midnight (ET).

Source: Nielsen via NPower, 12/1-12/11/11, 30 Telecasts, Program Reach with 1 minute qualifier, Viewers = P2+, Total US Cvg Area, Live+7. Subject to qualifications which will be supplied upon request.

About Great American Country (GAC)

Great American Country is the leader in country music entertainment, and delivers to viewers the widest variety of country music, its artists and the lifestyles they influence. GAC broadcasts original country music programming, music performance specials, live concerts and music videos. GAC is available in more than 60 million households and online at http://www.GACTV.com.

GAC is owned by Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SN), the leading developer of lifestyle-oriented content for television and the Internet, including HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel.

About The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)

The PRCA, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., is the largest and oldest professional rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. The recognized leader in ProRodeo, the PRCA is committed to maintaining the highest standards. The PRCA, a membership-based organization, sanctions approximately 600 rodeos annually, and there are nearly 30 million fans in the U.S. The PRCA showcases the world's best cowboys in premier events through the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour presented by Justin Boots, and its subsequent Justin Boots Playoffs, the Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls presented by B&W Trailer Hitches, the PRCA's bull riding tour; and the world-renowned Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Action from PRCA-sanctioned rodeos and its premier events appears on Great American Country (DISH Network 167, DirecTV 326) and Pursuit (DISH Network 240, DirecTV 608). Each year, PRCA-sanctioned rodeos raise more than $26 million for local and national charities. www.prorodeo.com

Category: Sports
Tags: Wrangler National Finals Rodeo , GAC, Great American Country, Professional Rodeo Cowboy Assocation