The NASCAR Network?
It was reported by the Sports Business Journal that NASCAR is in preparations to launch their own 24-7 TV network. This is great news by SBJ and one that has gotten me out of my summer induced writer's block.
SPEED TV has been a great partner for NASCAR since 2001. FOX has been the main reason for NASCAR’s supernatural growth over the past decade and FOX, via its SPEED Network, brought credibility to NASCAR in ways RPM 2Night could not. But Speed and NASCAR’s relationship is pushing eight years and it has grown stale in almost every way.
First and foremost, NASCAR TV is great for the economy. Sports media has taken a bashing in the internet age and a NASCAR operated network will open numerous jobs within the industry.
Secondly, NASCAR TV means more media coverage and exposure. Sure, some feel that NASCAR media already over-exposes the sport and dwindling ratings prove it. But a NASCAR owned network would draw in plenty of viewers, no doubt.
Do I have some fears? Sure. I don’t want to be fed the company line on a weekly basis. Remember SPEED’s Pit Bull program? It was a hard hitting and brutally honest program featuring Steve Byrnes, David Poole and Kyle Petty. Those three have never been afraid to speak their mind and often spoke it against NASCAR policies and decision making. The controversial Pit Bull was canceled at the Sanctioning Body’s request after one lone season in 2007.
One year later, Pit Bull was replaced by Trading Paint, a watered down Pit Bull also starring the hard-hitting Lee Spencer. But the show continued taking jabs at NASCAR’s constant rule changes and just like Pit Bull, it was canceled after one season.
So, if NASCAR TV becomes just another medium for the Sanctioning Body’s PR then I’m not interested. But this is a great opportunity for NASCAR to reach a brand new height of credibility. Get on it.
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