TVG buys HRTV

[Kasept]

More details in TDN piece that make it more merger than 'takeover'..

TVG & HRTV to Merge

TVG will take over the operations of HRTV, which will be operated from TVG’s studio in Los Angeles, Betfair’s TVG and The Stronach Group announced Wednesday. The merger is part of a joint effort between Betfair’s TVG subsidiary and The Stronach Group to improve the quality and quantity of televised horseracing by capitalizing on The Stronach Group’s investment in an enhanced racing experience and TVG’s state-of-the-art high definition television capabilities.

The newly unified operation will feature races from Santa Anita, Gulfstream Park, Pimlico, Laurel Park and Golden Gate Fields over a seven-year period, as well as additional domestic and international racetracks. The agreement will result in the broadcast of more than 5,000 additional races from across the U.S. to be broadcast on the two networks.

"This is a very exciting step for TVG and HRTV as it enhances our ability to deliver premier horseracing content to our viewers, to show more races and to promote racing in the US," said TVG CEO Kip Levin. "With our recent investment in our new, state of the art, HD studios now complete, we’re pleased to expand our coverage of the Stronach Group tracks as part of a unified TV platform. This agreement is part of TVG’s commitment to deliver the very best in US racing, to generate incremental wagering on our advanced-deposit wagering platform and, to drive additional advertising and distribution opportunities."

"Combining the significant investments we have made in our facilities and racing content with TVG’s significant investments in television technology and distribution is the best way forward for ensuring a world class experience for all of our important customers and our fellow stakeholders in racing," said Alon Ossip, CEO of the Stronach Group.

TVG is currently available in 36.5 million U.S. homes and televises approximately 27,000 races per year. Meanwhile, HRTV is available in 19.5 million U.S. homes and airs 16,000 races per year. There is significant overlap between the two and many races on tape delay due to scheduling conflicts. The merger, which will take place over the next several weeks, will allow the two networks to broadcast 40,000 races per year.

Betfair will make an initial payment of $25 million and estimates that it will pay further consideration totaling $47.8 million over the seven-year period. The total consideration is dependent upon TVG’s future handle. Based on projected future cash flows, the present fair market value of these payments is estimated to be $56.3 million.

Under previous agreements over the past year, TVG paid $4.3 million in television fees to HRTV related to television content, including The Stronach Group racetracks for which HRTV has held exclusive rights. This merger eliminates the need for TVG to pay those fees.

Following the merger, Betfair will own 100% of the equity in the unified television operation. However, the transaction does not include XpressBet, the advanced-deposit wagering company owned by the Stronach Group.

[dellinger63]

I may be in the minority but think the 'merger' may be a great thing if it results in a more coordinated schedule among the 'big named' tracks with the intent of preventing them from running on top of each other. Less, mindless, blather between races would also be a bonus.

Instead of a fight it could be more of a dance.

[SundayStar]

lemme know when they start broadcasting the races in HD

[joeydb]

Can I be an optimist here, since my cable company carries TVG but not HRTV, that I will get the complete lineup on my existing TVG channel?

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by joeydb

Can I be an optimist here, since my cable company carries TVG but not HRTV, that I will get the complete lineup on my existing TVG channel?

Im praying that they get another channel. They could have 1 channel with all the talking heads pushing their tickets for the feature tracks. Then have another channel that just shows the races from everywhere else not named, Aqueduct, Belmont, Saratoga, Gulfstream, Keeneland, Santa Anita & Delmar.

[VOL JACK]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

Im praying that they get another channel. They could have 1 channel with all the talking heads pushing their tickets for the feature tracks. Then have another channel that just shows the races from everywhere else not named, Aqueduct, Belmont, Saratoga, Gulfstream, Keeneland, Santa Anita & Delmar.

Yeah, sounds like a plan to me.
The constant ticket pushing is really played out.

[Left Bank]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

Im praying that they get another channel. They could have 1 channel with all the talking heads pushing their tickets for the feature tracks. Then have another channel that just shows the races from everywhere else not named, Aqueduct, Belmont, Saratoga, Gulfstream, Keeneland, Santa Anita & Delmar.

There already is one. It's called RTN network, and it is fabulous. https://www.rtn.tv/

[Easy Goer Otis]

Originally Posted by Left Bank

There already is one. It's called RTN network, and it is fabulous. https://www.rtn.tv/

Agreed. Can get lost watching replays and finding horses to watch for hours on RTN. Their user interface screens are simple and quick.

I personally believe the future of televised horse racing will flow through gaming systems like PS4. For example, Sony is working on an Oculus Rift type virtual reality gaming mask called Morpheus. Jockeys will wear helmet cameras that pipe the live feed into your mask and YOU will be able to ride the horse you bet and truly experience the excitement of racing. Maybe add some wearable technology like a vest that rumbles along with the hoof vibrations, sensing increasing or declining speed.

If exchange wagering ever becomes a reality, this idea goes up another step function. Betting against your friends and then donning the mask and racing each other.

After a few beers one night, I sketched out a very rudimentary business model of this concept for tracks if anyone in that part of the industry is interested. This type of thing might get them out to the racecourse to try it out this new exoerience, maybe in some 4D cinema chairs with a betting console in front of them, with a bar and a stage.

This idea will likely filter into all live sporting events. Would you like to be Tom Brady or Russell Wilson? Working title: Immersi-cam

Cheers!

O

[robfla]

Originally Posted by joeydb

Can I be an optimist here, since my cable company carries TVG but not HRTV, that I will get the complete lineup on my existing TVG channel?

.

I have DirecTV and I'm thinking the same way.

[rocknrowl]

Originally Posted by robfla

.

I have DirecTV and I'm thinking the same way.

I have DirectTV also, expanding the tracks on TVG would be great.

Maybe we even get to see Churchill Downs on TVG?

[Sightseek]

As someone who really prefers the HRTV on air staff, format and extra shows, this merger sucks.

[Benny]

Hoping for the best, but my experience with tvg,is that they are a monopolistc otfit. where i live, no ADW chioice but tvg. and their promotions are anemic at best, wish it would have icluded expressbet to partake of their active promotions for customers. we shall see.

[Jasper131]

Originally Posted by SundayStar

lemme know when they start broadcasting the races in HD

I'm pretty sure that's up to the host tracks (a few do) and your cable provider to offer you TVG in HD (mine does not).