Status of show? (ATRAB)

[SuffolkGirl]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Aaron is refering to ATRAB... and there are some developments that I should address here. The show's current contract ends today as it happens, and Sirius cannot commit to a new full one year deal right now. With the pending Sirius-XM merger being formalized sometime in the near future, they don't know how their scheduling is going to work out once they absorb the XM programming which includes a handful of XM channels JUST for major league baseball...

They are however, happy to let us continue on a month-by-month basis with no guarantees for how things shake out down the road. JJ Graci is not going to continue with it on that basis though, and is in the process of creating an exciting new Internet-based sports/racing broadcasting network that he is going to launch soon.

"At the Races" continues though, and I'll do my best to keep building on what we've done, hoping that once the Sirius-XM merger is completed they will want to commit to a new deal.

ATRAB is the ONLY reason I have Sirius - I didn't get it for that reason but now that I have Sirius ATRAB is just about the only thing I listen to. I commute 1 hour to work each day, I catch the 5 - 6 pm on the ride home and then the 6-7 on the replay the next morning on the way to work. Without ATRAB my commute will return to being close to unbearable!!!

Steve, let us know if there is something we can do to advocate for a slot with the new company. While I enjoy listening to JJ and will certainly take a peek at his broadcast network, it would not be the same without you. Not to sound like too much of a groupie or a stalker, but I'll try to follow you wherever you go (virtually, of course!! )

[10 pnt move up]

Thats bad news, its a good show and good for racing,

that being said, and I am sure Graci is a nice person but I dont think he does a good job on the show as far as interviewing and keeping a constant flow.

good luck though

[SentToStud]

I've listened to a couple of the other weekend shows a few times. There's no comparison. Steve and his program are the best of the group. And it's not even close.

[XIIPointStables]

Originally Posted by SentToStud

I've listened to a couple of the other weekend shows a few times. There's no comparison. Steve and his program are the best of the group. And it's not even close.

What you don't hearing a half hour of harness and international racing on a Triple Crown Day from 10am-noon on Down the Stretch?

That show is a joke. Professional as heck, but way off base as to what the horse player/fan wants to hear on the day of a Triple Crown Race - which for the first half hour the first two legs has been trotters. No lie. I think they might actually open every show with this.

And I understand paying the bills and I'm sure there is some tie to advertising, but come on. You have to at least pretend to care about your audience just a little bit. And the trotters is usually followed up with some sort of taped piece - never any real handicapping/racing "discussion" like you get on ATTAB.

Steve/JJ's show is superior in every single way and it would be a shame to see it go away.

[ShadowRoll]

The whole reason I got Sirius was for ATRAB (I despise Howard Stern -- never listened to him, never ever, not once) and this was way before I even knew this site existed. Ditto on the email campaign idea, if it will help. Sorry to hear about JJ's departure -- I'll sure miss his inimitable style.

Nothing a few phony phone calls can't fix. Maybe have morty on as a guest from time to time, kinda like Gilbert Gottfried on the Stern show.

[unassailable08]

I didnt make that comment at last call I wont be able to drink legally till a week from tomorrow.

I just didnt know if the show was still on for good or not.

[Bigsmc]

Originally Posted by SentToStud

I've listened to a couple of the other weekend shows a few times. There's no comparison. Steve and his program are the best of the group. And it's not even close.

Channel 198 I presume Bruce.....

[Holland Hacker]

Steve,

If Sirius does not pick you up when the whole Sirius / XM things is done with than I know of at least one cancellation of their service. I usually catch some of the show on my ride home and the balance on my way to work the next morning. SOmetimes I get the last hour twice but that is OK, it is usually entertaining.

I immensely enjoy the show and your insights into the game. I truly look forward meeting you either Saturday at the Belmont or at the Carolina Grill in Saratoga this summer. I have been listening to the show since I stumbled upon it late last fall, in fact it is the ONLY reason I still subscribe to Sirius.

I will miss JJ and his "insiders" perspective but lets face it, it is the Bykster that makes the show. Keep up the good work for as long as you care to, knowing that we stand behind you.

Like everyone one else said just let us know if there is anything we can do to support you with the "suits" at Sirius.

HH

[SentToStud]

Originally Posted by Bigsmc

Channel 198 I presume Bruce.....

That one. A couple others. Mostly on Sat am's if I'm stuck in the office.

[SentToStud]

Originally Posted by Bigsmc

Channel 198 I presume Bruce.....

Honestly, if I am working and remember, I'll listen to or watch anything horse racing related.

I remember and miss the shows in Chicago with Connaughton and Super Jock. I realy miss the replays in Detroit on Ch 62 which came on right after Big City News. Then again I miss being 30 years younger.

Randy Moss is very good. But he does what, 22 minutes a week? ATRAB's doing 15 hours.

Steve is the best I've seen or heard. Notwithstanding his admission of not being aware that Maryland My Maryland is based on the German carol O Tannebaum.

[deltagulf]

damm the only reason i started with sirius was because of the show. so if e-mails and calling help. let us know.
atrab is the best horse show on radio.

[Suffolk Shippers]

Originally Posted by SuffolkGirl

ATRAB is the ONLY reason I have Sirius - I didn't get it for that reason but now that I have Sirius ATRAB is just about the only thing I listen to. I commute 1 hour to work each day, I catch the 5 - 6 pm on the ride home and then the 6-7 on the replay the next morning on the way to work. Without ATRAB my commute will return to being close to unbearable!!!

Steve, let us know if there is something we can do to advocate for a slot with the new company. While I enjoy listening to JJ and will certainly take a peek at his broadcast network, it would not be the same without you. Not to sound like too much of a groupie or a stalker, but I'll try to follow you wherever you go (virtually, of course!! )

I imagine Suffolk Girl and I commute some of the same roads day to day and I couldn't agree more. The ride home is much more bearable with the ATRAB broadcast running. Nothing can really make commutes on 128, the Mass Pike, Rt 3 etc up here in Massachusetts managable, but ATRAB gets damn close!

FWIW I've had Sirius since Christmas 2004, pre Howard Stern, and I've found over the years they are VERY customer saavy and an old fashioned letter (email) writing campaign or a well placed phone call can go a long way with them, especially over time. Still being somewhat of a new company, they know they are beholden to their customer base.

Doesn't mean our words would be worth a velvet painting of a whale having sex with dolphin (C) Ricky Bobby but it would certainly make the case for a spot on the combined XM/Sirius company down the line, more realistic.

[TheSpyder]

Reading between the lines that Steve has not suggested a write in campaign is that perhaps he has the other plans in the works. If that's not the case, maybe I'm as good reading blogs as the racing form.

If it is the case Steve, we all support you almost as much as Sumwon.

Having said all that, it really and I mean really makes it nice on Sirius as like many others I'm trapped in my car for endless hours where your show may have been responsible for saving my life as by 6 pm I'm about to fall asleep driving home and you keep me awake.

Spyder

[SuffolkGirl]

Originally Posted by TheSpyder

Reading between the lines that Steve has not suggested a write in campaign is that perhaps he has the other plans in the works. If that's not the case, maybe I'm as good reading blogs as the racing form.

If it is the case Steve, we all support you almost as much as Sumwon.

Having said all that, it really and I mean really makes it nice on Sirius as like many others I'm trapped in my car for endless hours where your show may have been responsible for saving my life as by 6 pm I'm about to fall asleep driving home and you keep me awake.

Spyder

Spyder, I was wondering the same thing....( tricky byk) however, I added another radio for my sister to my account this weekend and let the customer service rep know that I expected ATRAB to continue once the merger with XM is worked out - with 800 or so baseball channels I know they can squeeze in at least one daily horseracing show.

And Suffolk Shippers - it is a Melrose to Waltham commute every day, mind numbing except for ATRAB

[Sightseek]

Just a side mention, but a very nice re-cap of Saturday's main event by Steve on the homepage.