Just a few days after my post about how race commentators can impact TV ratings comes news that the Indy Racing League has signed a new TV deal.
According to the announcment the series new TV partner “will produce extended coverage, including pre and post-race shows and, potentially, programmes between races.”
All this sounds great, except for one point.

That new TV partner? - the cable channel Versus
Who?
I’ve never heard of it before. Apparently Versus is not included in most basic satellite packages, as ESPN is, and reaches 20 million fewer homes. (OK a little research shows that Versus is the new brand for OLN best known for its hunting and fishing shows.)
I’m one of those 20 million fewer homes. I have Direct TV and whenever I’ve looked at a cable or satellite deal I’ve always stipulated that whichever package I get includes SPEED TV and ESPN.
Apparently the IRL also renewed its deal with ABC to screen five races each season, including the Indianapolis 500. So instead of watching a full season of 17 races, I’ll only be watching the occasional event.
So this makes sense how?


