BlueHighways TV, the satellite and broadband television network that celebrates the music, folklore, people and traditions of America, has had a good year.

In October, they announced a deal with Narrowstep to deliver streaming content from their web site. Last week, they unveiled a new partnership with the Mansion America Theater in Branson, MO. Mansion America’s owner, Gene Bicknell, will both invest financially in BlueHighways TV and make the production facilities of the theater available to the network.

BlueHighways TV is operated by Ronnie Reno, son of bluegrass legend Don Reno, and Stan Hitchcock, who was among the founders of Country Music Television (CMT) when it launched in the early days of cable TV.

Hitchcock was enthusiastic in announcing this new partnership.

“I welcome Gene Bicknell and his organization to the BlueHighways TV family. His rich experience in business development, topped with his accomplished credits in theater, film and television, make him an ideal partner for BlueHighways TV. Plus, we are excited to expand the scope of our network’s cross-country live television offerings with the Mansion America Theatre, having begun this initiative with The American Jukebox Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.”

Bicknell is a celebrated entrepreneur, and formerly operated one of the largest restaurant chains in the US. He has also worked in film and television as an actor, writer and producer.