As most of us know traditional cable TV is dying and the content creators are really in the drivers seat here. As Randy pointed out, the subscribers want to be where the viewers are. Couple that with the cable outdoor networks selling spots that benefit them instead of the creators and you have a perfect storm where the creators can/should setup their own networks.
I happen to be in the industry (not hunting or outdoor related) but Over the Top (OTT) broadcast and have suggested to some of them that they build their own network which these days isnt a very hard task.
Consider Steve Rinella, Newberg, Jacobsen, SoloHunter, Gritty, Born & Raised, [insert any name here] having their own network with a single app and delivering content via [insert any streaming service - Roku, Hulu, Netflix, Prime] with a load of sponsors behind them (and in this case the creators get to share the sponsorship $$ instead of handing it over to Sportsmans Channel et al.) and I think it would be a great success. In fact, it already has been, however this is for individual shows. Why they haven't teamed up yet, I have no idea.
While they may not need my input, I know all of the pieces to the puzzle, all they would need to bring is their already established network of content creators and sponsors. For now they are giving away their content on these platforms in an AVOD model (Advertising based Video on Demand) but they could also charge a nominal fee for less ads (SVOD) Subscription Based Video on Demand.
Either way I think the future is bright for creators and dim for the cable networks.
