The "greatest two minutes in sports" aside...

[dylbert]

(1) Lipinski/Weir did excellent job during Sochi Olympics. Also, very engaging & interesting duo on talk show circuit. Just as NBC recognized female demographic using its Bravo channel for previous Oaks broadcast, this further taps broadening audience which includes more than aging males.

(2) Boycott will likely have little or no traction this weekend. This is an event that attracts more 'dumb' money than any other sporting event held in US.

(3) NBC knows how to sell 'soap'. Oaks focus will remain breast cancer awareness & research. PETA may get 90-120 second segment presented as 'hard news'.

When do windows open?

[ghartman02]

I don't understand the Weir/Lapinski angle, I guess if they had Gary Stevens Cover Ice Skating? Having said that, I have NEVER been home for the Derby, so coverage doesn't matter to me. I used to tape then DVR the day though, and it irritated me not showing the Woodford Reserve.

I don't understand Boycotts. I'm not a fan of the CDI folks at present, but this too shall pass. So if you like a race, you want to bet, you're going to bet. I don't think wagering will be affected Derby Weekend.

Did Peta have an affect in 2008 after Eight Belles? Most people won't care, depends on what NBC does if they show any of that.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by dylbert

PETA may get 90-120 second segment presented as 'hard news'.

Originally Posted by ghartman02

Did Peta have an affect in 2008 after Eight Belles? Most people won't care, depends on what NBC does if they show any of that.

It's not in their best interest to show it. How many millions did they pay for exclusive rights?

They might throw in a line about a few protesters and that will be it.

It's the other news organizations that will jump on it, and rightfully so, if he wins.