==History==
==History==
Alstair Gosling from Essex in the UK <ref>{{cite web|url=http://realscreen.com/2012/01/26/extreme-sports-channel-enters-the-italian-market/|title=Extreme Sports Channel enters the Italian market|publisher=realscreen.com|date=26 January 2012}}</ref> founder of Extreme International and a passionate skier, windsurfer surfer, pilot, yatch master and padel player came up with the idea for the Network in 1996. In 1997 the team from Extreme, Alistair, Juanjo Marquez, Ben Barret and Adam Oliver started approaching potential investors to back the plan for a new brand and TV network dedicated to extreme and adventure sports.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.extremesportscompany.com/meet-the-team|title=Meet the Team|publisher=ExtremeSportsCompany.com|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref> UPCtv, the programming arm of Europe’s largest cable television operator UPC, was looking for new channels to offer its subscribers and in April 1998 Extreme international was exhibiting at the MIP programming market in Cannes, France, Ben Barrett the sales director was approached by Stephen Cohen, UPCtv’s Chief Operating Officer, with a proposal for a joint venture between the two companies. Extreme partnered with [[UPC Broadband|UPC]] and the Extreme Sports Channel was launched from the [[Netherlands]] on 1 May 1999, and in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] in 2000.<ref name=tte>{{cite book|last1=Chalaby|first1=Jean K.|title=Transnational Television in Europe: Reconfiguring Global Communications Networks |date=2009 |publisher=I.B.Tauris |isbn=9780857717474 |pages=148–149 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trouw.nl/home/nieuwe-zenders-bieden-extreme-sport-en-films~a40b9360/|title=UPC, de grootste private kabelmaatschappij van Europa, begint volgende maand met twee nieuwe televisiekanalen, Extreme Sports Channel en Film1|publisher=[[Trouw]]|date=14 April 1999|language=nl}}</ref> The channel was designed by Gosling and Cohen, management and content was delivered by Extreme International, and technical play out and uplink were supplied by UPC.
Alstair Gosling from Essex in the UK <ref>{{cite web|url=http://realscreen.com/2012/01/26/extreme-sports-channel-enters-the-italian-market/|title=Extreme Sports Channel enters the Italian market|publisher=realscreen.com|date=26 January 2012}}</ref> founder of Extreme International and a passionate skier, windsurfer surfer, pilot, yatch master and padel player came up with the idea for the Network in 1996. In 1997 the team from Extreme, Alistair, Juanjo Marquez, Ben Barret and Adam Oliver started approaching potential investors to back the plan for a new brand and TV network dedicated to extreme and adventure sports.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.extremesportscompany.com/meet-the-team|title=Meet the Team|publisher=ExtremeSportsCompany.com|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref> UPCtv, the programming arm of Europe’s largest cable television operator UPC, was looking for new channels to offer its subscribers and in April 1998 Extreme international was exhibiting at the MIP programming market in Cannes, France, Ben Barrett the sales director was approached by Stephen Cohen, UPCtv’s Chief Operating Officer, with a proposal for a joint venture between the two companies. Extreme partnered with [[UPC Broadband|UPC]] and the Extreme Sports Channel was launched from the [[Netherlands]] on 1 May 1999, and in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] in 2000.<ref name=tte>{{cite book|last1=Chalaby|first1=Jean K.|title=Transnational Television in Europe: Reconfiguring Global Communications Networks |date=2009 |publisher=I.B.Tauris |isbn=9780857717474 |pages=148–149 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trouw.nl/home/nieuwe-zenders-bieden-extreme-sport-en-films~a40b9360/|title=UPC, de grootste private kabelmaatschappij van Europa, begint volgende maand met twee nieuwe televisiekanalen, Extreme Sports Channel en Film1|publisher=[[Trouw]]|date=14 April 1999|language=nl}}</ref> The channel was designed by Gosling and Cohen, management and content was delivered by Extreme International, and technical play out and uplink were supplied by UPC.
In late 1999, Extreme launched its [[United States]] operations, and charged veteran producer, [[Lloyd Bryan Molander Adams|Lloyd Bryan Adams]] with the task of heading up the North American presence. They launched EXtreme TV, a branded block on Fox Sports Net in March 2012.
In late 1999, Extreme launched its [[United States]] operations, and charged veteran producer, [[Lloyd Bryan Molander Adams|Lloyd Bryan Adams]] with the task of heading up the North American presence. They launched EXtreme TV, a branded block on Fox Sports Net in March 2012.
Since the transaction Extreme International has developed in three main areas, leading with social media.
Since the transaction Extreme International has developed in three main areas, leading with social media.
”’Media – Creator economy:”’ As a social first media company and social video publisher specializing in action sport, adventure travel, and lifestyle content. It sits at the heart of the creator economy and is part of the Wavelength Network. It has a presence across all the major social media platforms, the network has built an audience of over 20 million followers and generates approximately 300 million video views per month, totaling more than 2.6 billion views in the past year.
”’Media – Creator economy:”’ As a social first media company and social publisher specializing in action sport, adventure travel and lifestyle content. It sits at the heart of the creator economy and is part of the Wavelength Network. It has a presence across all the major social media platforms, the network has built an audience of over 20 million followers and generates approximately 300 million video views per month, totaling more than 2.6 billion views in the past year.
”’Working with Brands”’: The company provides social media strategy, content production, creator marketing, and campaign management services for brands and destinations seeking to engage younger audiences through digital storytelling.
”’Working with Brands”’: social media strategy, , creator marketing and campaign management services for brands and destinations seeking to engage audiences through digital storytelling.
”’Social Publishers and Creators:”’ In addition to campaign services, it operates as a monetisation partner for social media publishers, and creators connecting them with brand and media buying opportunities to generate revenue beyond platform ad income. The company manages advertising and sponsorship deals across multiple social platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
”’Social Publishers and Creators:”’ In addition to campaign services, it operates as a monetisation partner for social media publishers and creators connecting them with brand and media buying opportunities to generate revenue beyond platform ad income. The company manages advertising and sponsorship deals across multiple social platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Extreme International also works with creators, athletes, and ambassadors to support brand growth, storytelling, and content monetisation. It offers partnership opportunities and platform support to enhance visibility and commercial potential.
Extreme International also works with creators, athletes, and ambassadors to support brand growth, storytelling and content monetisation. It offers partnership opportunities and platform support to enhance visibility and commercial potential.
”’Long Form TV Content to Social”’ – The company collaborates with television producers, distributors, sports organistions and rights holders to adapt long-form TV content for social media and YouTube. By re-editing and optimising content for the platforms, Extreme International expands audience reach and creates new revenue streams from existing intellectual property.
”’Long Form TV Content to Social”’ – The company collaborates with television producers, distributors, sports organistions and rights holders to adapt long-form TV content for social media and YouTube. By re-editing and optimising content for the platforms, Extreme International expands audience reach and creates new revenue streams from existing intellectual property.
”’Events”’ it is growing and managing a portfolio of adventure sports and environmental based conferences, events and shows one being the Extreme Hangout the environmental action events platform that was launched at COP 28 in Glasgow and has held over 35 events to date around the world.<ref name=”glamourmagazine.co.uk”>{{Cite web|url=https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/cop26-extreme-hangout|title=COP26: The Extreme Hangout is giving young climate activists the platform they desperately deserve|date=October 31, 2021|website=Glamour UK}}</ref>
”’Events”’ it is growing and managing a portfolio of adventure sports and environmental based conferences, events and shows being the Extreme Hangout the environmental action events platform that was launched at COP 28 in Glasgow and has held over 35 events to date around the world.<ref name=”glamourmagazine.co.uk”>{{Cite web|url=https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/cop26-extreme-hangout|title=COP26: The Extreme Hangout is giving young climate activists the platform they desperately deserve|date=October 31, 2021|website=Glamour UK}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/23109785.nicola-sturgeon-finish-line-cop27-relay-egypt-long-journey-glasgow/|title=Nicola Sturgeon welcomes COP27 relay to Egypt after long journey from Glasgow|date=November 8, 2022|website=The National}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/23109785.nicola-sturgeon-finish-line-cop27-relay-egypt-long-journey-glasgow/|title=Nicola Sturgeon welcomes COP27 relay to Egypt after long journey from Glasgow|date=November 8, 2022|website=The National}}</ref>
”’Adventure Tourisum – Destination”’: As architects of adventure and specialising in adventure tourism Extreme delivers design, master planning and development of destinations through to the operation of experiences, camps, boutique hotels and resorts.
”’Adventure Tourisum – Destination”’: As architects of adventure and specialising in adventure tourism Extreme delivers design, master planning and development of , and .
Extreme operates around three guiding pillars, people, planet, and place and works to sustainably drive sport participation, an active and healthy lifestyle, job creation, infrastructure investment and tourism. Whilst aligning with five key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and government agendas there is a commitment to be sustainable, and have launched the Extreme Hangout an events impact platform,<ref name=”glamourmagazine.co.uk” /> are signed up to Planet Mark to measure impact, 1% For The Planet to give back and the UN’s Sports for Climate Action to drive awareness.
Extreme operates around three guiding pillars, people, planet, and place and works to sustainably drive sport participation, an active and healthy lifestyle, job creation, infrastructure investment and tourism. Whilst aligning with five key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and government agendas there is a commitment to be sustainable, and have launched the Extreme Hangout an events impact platform,<ref name=”glamourmagazine.co.uk” /> are signed up to Planet Mark to measure impact, 1% For The Planet to give back and the UN’s Sports for Climate Action to drive awareness.
European pay television channel
Television channel
The Extreme Sports Channel is a pay television channel that was launched from Amsterdam on 1 May 1999.[2] The channel broadcasts in over 60 countries and 12 languages, and covers extreme sport and adventure sports which include surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, wakeboarding, motocross, BMX, mountain biking, FMX, music, gaming and fashion.
Alstair Gosling from Essex in the UK [3] founder of Extreme International and a passionate skier, windsurfer surfer, pilot, yatch master and padel player came up with the idea for the Network in 1996. In 1997 the managment team from Extreme, Alistair, Juanjo Marquez, Ben Barret and Adam Oliver started approaching potential investors to back the plan for a new brand and TV network dedicated to extreme and adventure sports.[4] UPCtv, the programming arm of Europe’s largest cable television operator UPC, was looking for new channels to offer its subscribers and in April 1998 Extreme international was exhibiting at the MIP programming market in Cannes, France, Ben Barrett the sales director was approached by Stephen Cohen, UPCtv’s Chief Operating Officer, who had heard about the invetment opportunity with a proposal for a joint venture between the two companies. Extreme partnered with UPC and the Extreme Sports Channel was launched from the Netherlands on 1 May 1999, and in the UK in 2000.[5][6] The channel was designed by Gosling and Cohen, management and content was delivered by Extreme International, and technical play out and uplink were supplied by UPC.
In late 1999, Extreme launched its United States operations, and charged veteran producer, Lloyd Bryan Adams with the task of heading up the North American presence. They launched EXtreme TV, a branded block on Fox Sports Net in March 2012.
In 2005,[5] after launching the channel in over sixty countries, and seeing the growth in digital and social media coming Extreme International acquired the Extreme brand and sold its 50% stake in Extreme Sports Channel to John Malone’s Liberty Global Inc. which had by then become owner of UPC. The channel was put under the management of Chellomedia.[5]
Since the transaction Extreme International has developed in three main areas, leading with social media.
Social Media – Creator economy: As a social first media company and social publisher specializing in action sport, adventure travel and lifestyle content it delivers high impact social media campaigns and social media managment through through authentic storytelling and strategic creator partnerships. It sits at the heart of the creator economy and is part of the Wavelength Network. It has a presence across all the major social media platforms, the network has built an audience of over 20 million followers and generates approximately 300 million video views per month, totaling more than 2.6 billion views in the past year.
Working with Brands: It covers social media strategy, social media managment, creator and influncer marketing and campaign management services for brands and destinations seeking to engage audiences through digital storytelling.
Social Publishers and Creators: In addition to campaign services, it operates as a monetisation partner for social media publishers and creators connecting them with brand and media buying opportunities to generate revenue beyond platform ad income. The company manages advertising and sponsorship deals across multiple social platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Extreme International also works with creators, athletes, and ambassadors to support brand growth, storytelling and content monetisation. It offers partnership opportunities and platform support to enhance visibility and commercial potential.
Long Form TV Content to Social – The company collaborates with television producers, distributors, sports organistions and rights holders to adapt long-form TV content for social media and YouTube. By re-editing and optimising content for the platforms, Extreme International expands audience reach and creates new revenue streams from existing intellectual property.
Events it is growing and managing a portfolio of adventure sports and environmental based conferences, events and shows an example being the Extreme Hangout the environmental action events platform that was launched at COP 28 in Glasgow and has held over 35 events to date around the world.[7]
[8]
Adventure Tourisum – Destination: As architects of adventure and specialising in adventure tourism Extreme delivers design, master planning and development of adventure based hotels, resorts and destinations.
Extreme operates around three guiding pillars, people, planet, and place and works to sustainably drive sport participation, an active and healthy lifestyle, job creation, infrastructure investment and tourism. Whilst aligning with five key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and government agendas there is a commitment to be sustainable, and have launched the Extreme Hangout an events impact platform,[7] are signed up to Planet Mark to measure impact, 1% For The Planet to give back and the UN’s Sports for Climate Action to drive awareness.
The channel launched in Poland in January 2006, followed by France in that same year.[5]
The UK version of the channel was free-to-air from launch until the summer of 2006, when a deal with BSkyB meant that it became encrypted.
On 28 September 2011 the channel began broadcasting in widescreen (16:9) format.
On 1 February 2012 the high-definition version of the channel began broadcasting in Italy.[9]
AMC Networks acquired Chellomedia on 2 February 2014. Chellomedia was rebranded by AMC Networks International on 8 July 2014.[10]
On 31 December 2015, the channel was removed from the Sky EPG.
As of 27 October 2021 Extreme became available on Channelbox via Freeview channel 271 in the UK. Channelbox is a free IPTV service available to any Freeview compatible device that can connect to both an aerial and internet.[11]
In June 2024, the company acquired their own streaming slot on Freeview[12] under the name Extreme Channel[13] on channel 295.[14]
