ABC, Versus to broadcast races in 2009

[LittleAlguy]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080806/SPORTS0107/308060003/1052/SPORTS01

As much as I'm glad that Versus will actually do some extra programming (as well as, hopefully, better production value and greater promotion) and that they haven't lost ABC entirely, I can't see how having most of the races on a channel with less of a reach will help teams and the series attract sponsors over the lifetime of this deal.

edit: more on this deal tomorrow on indycar.com

[ÜberDoober]

Well, I just read the story and I have to say I think this is really terrible and maybe a step backward? I have digital cable, 6897 channels and Versus is not one of them. :mad:

The expanded coverage is great but with limited distribution, who is going to be around to watch? Maybe ESPN/ESPN2's coverage wasn't perfect but the loss of these major outlets seems like a serious downgrade.

[LittleAlguy]

My guess is that the IRL sees it as potentially analogous to the way that ESPN helped carry the flag for NASCAR (and to some extent, CART) the first time around in that both entities were relatively small at the time of the partnership and helped each other grow to the heights that they are today. It'd be harder to repeat that with the sheer amount of stations available now compared to back then but that seems to be the hope. If they can actually get a title sponsor to back them the way RJ Reynolds via Winston did with the top NASCAR series, it could make up for the initial loss in audience. Of course, that's the optimistic view.

Btw, are you able to switch to satellite or are you stuck with cable?

I'll certainly let you know about their coverage if you're unable to get Versus in time for the season.

[ÜberDoober]

Since I only just upgraded from basic to digital cable, I'll probably be sticking with it forever. The cable company is also my ISP and DirectTV can't do that.

IF the package to give me VS is only $5 per month, I might get it but more than likely, I'll only watch the broadcasts on ABC and whatever I can get from indycar.com. Since my only digital box is in my living room, I'd have to pay extra to get another one in my office and since the prices of this are breaking the entertainment budget as is, spending more money isn't likely either. :(

[LittleAlguy]

That stinks. :(

Again, I'll let you know about how Versus is treating them. I'm just glad that I have a mom who is willing to pay for this. If I were five years older today, I don't know if I'd be able to pay for it.