Mickelson To Tee Off In New PPV Special

Veteran pro golfer Phil Mickelson will bring his expertise to the pay-per-view and video-on-demand platform in a special video event set to debut July 1.

In Demand and Avail-TVN will distribute Phil Mickelson: Secrets of The Short Game, in which the 2010 Master's champion will reveal his inside tips to improving everyone's golf game. Along with his unique philosophy on the short game, Mickelson also provides detailed instruction in a variety of areas including: putting, chipping, flop shots, bunker play and specialty shots, along with his most memorable short game moments and behind-the-scenes footage.

The two-hour program will be available throughout the summer for a suggested retail price of $19.99.
"This is the first time ever that PPV and VOD cable television customers will be able to access such high level instruction from a person of Mickelson's caliber," said In Demand president and CEO Bob Benya. "This step-by step tutorial provides the viewer with an unmatched bounty of valuable, in-depth instruction and analysis from Mickelson that is sure to be helpful to those serious about the game."
Jim Riley, chief revenue officer at Avail-TVN added the on-demand platforms "provide great distribution channels for instructional sports videos such as Secrets of the Short Game, bringing the pros directly into the living rooms of consumers who want access to their coaching and insight."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.