Doing television for a racing audience is a losing battle. I guarantee that you'll always be to wrong to someone.
The first question that must be asked in producing a TV program is "Who will be watching this show?" A racing network has different audience groups with VASTLY different interests. The serious player, they guy who buys the DRF and/or the Sheets and studies and does his homework wants INFORMATION. He wants shoe changes, good video of paddock and post parade. He wants to be able to see front bandages or extended blinkers. He doesn't care who the talking heads like.
The average bettor who goes to the races armed with newspaper selections and tip sheets might like some extra advice. The talking heads are his "tip sheets" as he goes through the day. He wants to be spoon fed a bit. He needs to be reminded that this is a superfecta race or when the P3 starts. This guy might like a bit more educational features like lessons in money management or strategy. He might learn from the hosts expanding on significant points like why a horse was laid up or the strategy in jockey selection.
The third person is the racing fan. They really don't bet but they want news and stories and to see the best races. While the other two guys want to see the best betting races, the "fan" wants stakes races, which bettors know are often poor betting races.
What's the network to do to satisfy them all? Supposedly TVG makes money from betting handle but I'm not convinced that handle is it's real cash cow. My guess is that advertising is it's moneymaker. If it's income is derived from ads, then then simply need to be able to show that folks are watching to get paid.
As for personalities, if you don't like them, don't listen. Everyone's got different taste.
I read the piece and though I don't always agree with Andy Beyer, I respect the work that he's done and his knowledge of the game. As usal he makes some good points and gets a good conversation going.
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