BACK9NETWORK was a 24/7 golf lifestyle cable television network and media company based in Hartford, Connecticut. BACK9NETWORK was developed as an alternative to traditional media's focus on professional golf tournament coverage. The network was focused on storytelling, personalities, features and fashions, interviews and instruction, travel, gear and more. BACK9NETWORK.com, the online clubhouse for BACK9NETWORK, delivered editorial and original content on golf lifestyle.
History
BACK9NETWORK was founded in 2010, and was headquartered in Hartford, CT along with the network's production studio. BACK9NETWORK launched online in April 2012, and re-launched their website in January 2013. The network raised private equity from a number of shareholders, and received a $5 million loan from the state of Connecticut. In September 2014, BACK9NETWORK launched on DIRECTV in 20 million TV households. On February 23, 2015 the channel suspended operations due to lack of funding. In December 2015 the Company filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 and exited bankruptcy in July 2016.
Programming
Programs
The initial programming slate included:
Ahmad Rashad: Emmy award-winning broadcaster Ahmad Rashad gives the BACK9NETWORK's audience a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes as he delivers candid, yet in-depth interviews with the biggest names in sports and entertainment
Golf Treasures: This weekly reality series takes you along with golf collectors Ryan Carey and Bob Zafian, owners of Green Jacket Auctions, as they scour the country for some incredible auctions
Ball Hogs: This docu-soap follows the men and women who dive for the more than 300 million golf balls lost each year- earning some divers up to $100,000/yr in “white gold."
Of Course: An animated series produced in conjunction with Skadaddle Media
Off Par With Matty Blake: Co-hosted by acclaimed actor and comedian Matty Blake, veteran voice, theatre and television actor Charles Everett, and model Caite Upton is an inventive look at the world of golf and entertainment, with a seriously comedic twist.
The Clubhouse: This nightly talk show features Former PGA Tour pro John Maginnes, longtime Golfweek Senior Writer Jeff Rude, and extreme sports champion Will Christien.
The Turn: Back9Network's flagship hour of golf, pop culture, debate, and entertainment will be delivered on "The Turn."
On-air Personalities
Ahmad Rashad, Host of AHMAD RASHAD and Executive Producer at BACK9NETWORK; former NFL professional, on-air host for NBA, and Golf Channel
Shane Bacon, Co-Host of The Turn; former cbssports.com and Yahoo! Sports golf writer
Erica Bachelor, Co-Host of The Turn; former E! Network host
Lou Holder, Co-Host of The Turn; Emmy award-winning sports personality, and a former anchor for many entities in the Washington D.C. area
Matty Blake, Host of Off Par; an acclaimed actor and comedian
Caite Upton, Co-Host of Off Par; an American model and TV personality
Charles Everett, Co-Host of Off Par; actor formerly cast on 30 Rock, Law & Order, Rescue Me
Will Christien, Co-Host of The Clubhouse; women's extreme sports champion
John Maginnes, Co-Host of The Clubhouse; former PGA Tour pro and Golf Channel and USA Network golf commentator
Jeff Rude, Co-Host of The Clubhouse; former Golfweek Senior Writer
Universo Pereira, Network Co-Host, TV personality and stage actor
Alexis Morgan, Lifestyle Correspondent, TV personality and reporter
Katie Sundseth, Lifestyle Correspondent, TV personality and model
