NBC Coverage

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Believe me, I get it, but perhaps some give and take?

In my opinion, you will not ever create new fans without at least offering the possibility of teaching or grabbing someone's interest by offering a possible hook. These shows are more interesting to the people who won't be supporting the game.....but what good does that do for us? Yes, I see why it may suit another agenda....just not mine.

The ESPN broadcast is OK even if Bailey is unbearable. People (non race fans) seem to want to watch the Derby hence the good ratings this year in perhaps the most dreadful Derby in quite some time. As long as they can sell spots for good money on Network TV the day is doomed for more of the same recipe. Why would they change it? I am very surprised the derby draw such a high TV rating. The culture seems to love the SUPERBOWL format. If Direct TV was smart they would bid for the Derby put it on as an exclusive and use it to sell subscriptions. Since they cant bundle programming with internet access and phone lines they need another hook besides the NFL package. The Derby is now proven to be a very saleable poduct to the average viewer.If Direct TV or a like company owned the Derby they would offer two broadcasts one for the common veiwer and one for the diehard that would be back for future broadcasts of other product like BC and other Major race days. That is what racing needs someone other then a betting channel to pick it up develop and educate the fan. HRTV is only in 12 mil homes and TVG (Betfair) is completely uninterested in racing, Betfair is in the market only to have a foot in place when other types of gambling get legalized. If Betfair breaks even on racing great if not they just have to have a presence till gambling is finally gets opened.