TV Coverage: What the heck is going on?

[Merlinsky]

Ok there's a point where we're going to have to deal with NBC's hokey pokey with hockey per the schedule. Those things never end on time and that's a nutty situation to begin with. Why is ESPN scheduled to overlap though? I know it probably means they'll get to cover what NBC pre-empts but it's built into the schedule for TV Guide. Did they plan (with amazing foresight for network programming given their past record) for a pre-emption and give ESPN permission to cover it since it wasn't likely to be an overlap of horse racing coverage? Seems pretty generous in one way but odd in another.

And Sports South is covering TVG Racing Coast to Coast. I know they don't get to show the same stuff licensed to ESPN and NBC but they'll undoubtedly be talking about it a lot and showing some stuff. Crazy but I thought they were trying to raise ratings for racing coverage. With a potential 3 channel overlap here, is this too much of a good thing? Don't forget, Barbaro: A Nation's Horse is supposed to air at I believe 8pm after the Derby. Of course who the heck knows. They're making up things as they go along.

PS. Is anybody else finding the Breakfast at Churchill Downs desk chats a little creepy? Inevitably someone is practically spooning at the desk they're so close together and scrunched over half the time.