Quote:
|
Originally Posted by PatCummings
Comparing the MLB and NFL to racing is so incredibly far-fetched, I don't know where to begin.
Even if some national racing entity bought TVG, how will that dramatically change anything?
Hours and hours of live TV is dramatically expensive and while I cannot quantify it, my personal opinion is that it does relatively little to impact the national awareness of racing.
|
Comparing benefits of an industry controlled TV network by saying the starter handicap on ESPN doesn't do "much of anything" is flawed. And comparison of MLB or NFL to horse racing in this regard is far-fetched how? From a TV scheduling perspective, horse racing is actually MORE equipped due to the number of events each day and consistency of daily programming. I'm not sure what plausible argument could be made there.
You actually, in a way, support my theory by saying it's "dramatically expensive/little impact". A horse racing TV channel run by horse racing dramatically change things in numerous positive ways including, but not limited to, exposure, general marketing of the sport, specific marketing of the sport, open content, big race coverage, consistent coverage, live coverage, industry-wide support versus fragmented portions etc. etc. etc.
For example, imagine this: An "industry" run not-for-profit ADW which uses a wide-spread network to broadcast/show races.
The NTRA buying TV time on ESPN ultimately just gives people a reason to complain about unique and exciting camera angles. The goal going in is question -- increase exposure? Create interest? The problem is there is no specific way to gauge whether or not it works. There are no metrics for which to measure its success. And does a few hours here or there really move people to join the game? Doubtful.
If the goal is to just keep horse racing mainstream and give the perception it's still a player in the major sports world, it makes more sense. I would counter-argue, however, that a 24-hour well-run industry network with 35% reach would speak more to potential customers than a few hours on ESPN with 100% reach.