Why I hate TVG

[BlueShoe]

Originally Posted by Redbullsnation

Meh, it's the only horse racing channel I have and as long as they show the race, I'm okay

But that is often just the problem, they don't. Unless, of course, you prefer your races shown on a 5-20 minute tape delay. Common practice to have a live race going off at a track that you or many others have a large interest in while the talking heads are jibbering away showing their pick whatever selections, or shots of the walking ring or post parade of their "A" track.

[Stillriledup]

Originally Posted by BlueShoe

But that is often just the problem, they don't. Unless, of course, you prefer your races shown on a 5-20 minute tape delay. Common practice to have a live race going off at a track that you or many others have a large interest in while the talking heads are jibbering away showing their pick whatever selections, or shots of the walking ring or post parade of their "A" track.

So wait, i'm confused, you mean the A in QuArterhorse doesn't stand for A Track?

That's the thing about TVG, they're all about who pays them the most money, they'll show a 2,500 claimer from Buffalo Harness track ahead of the Travers Stakes if Buffalo paid them enough.

[thespaah]

Originally Posted by Stillriledup

So wait, i'm confused, you mean the A in QuArterhorse doesn't stand for A Track?

That's the thing about TVG, they're all about who pays them the most money, they'll show a 2,500 claimer from Buffalo Harness track ahead of the Travers Stakes if Buffalo paid them enough.

Precisely....It's all about the tracks that pay them the most.

[Show Me the Wire]

TVG is a business not a charitable organization. Makes pecuniary sense to cater to those who pay for your services.

[cj]

Originally Posted by BlueShoe

But that is often just the problem, they don't. Unless, of course, you prefer your races shown on a 5-20 minute tape delay. Common practice to have a live race going off at a track that you or many others have a large interest in while the talking heads are jibbering away showing their pick whatever selections, or shots of the walking ring or post parade of their "A" track.

To be fair, there was a time where I had only HRTV. They show many races after the fact and you get no warning of races about to go off. The graphics and scrolls are way better on TVG too.

[cj]

Originally Posted by Stillriledup

So wait, i'm confused, you mean the A in QuArterhorse doesn't stand for A Track?

That's the thing about TVG, they're all about who pays them the most money, they'll show a 2,500 claimer from Buffalo Harness track ahead of the Travers Stakes if Buffalo paid them enough.

Who wouldn't?

[thespaah]

Originally Posted by Show Me the Wire

TVG is a business not a charitable organization. Makes pecuniary sense to cater to those who pay for your services.

That would be correct.
However, if TVG took more money from lesser tracks, those in which bettors had little interest, their business would slow to the point where the service's management would be forced to move in a different direction.
Revenue does matter.....Ratings matter more.

[cj]

Originally Posted by thespaah

That would be correct.
However, if TVG took more money from lesser tracks, those in which bettors had little interest, their business would slow to the point where the service's management would be forced to move in a different direction.
Revenue does matter.....Ratings matter more.

Of course, but they also don't do that to the extent that SRU was insinuating. Los Al is the only track that gets priority over "bigger" tracks, but which of those really get any handle either? Remington, Evangeline, Charles Town, Mountaineer?

[Racey]

Britney Eurton....sharp in many ways... seriously though if you must tune in for picks HRTV first call show Jeff Siegel is the best no doubt.

[Zydeco]

Originally Posted by Show Me the Wire

TVG is a business not a charitable organization. Makes pecuniary sense to cater to those who pay for your services.

Pecuniary........nice one........(I looked it up!)

[Stillriledup]

Originally Posted by cj

Who wouldn't?

Its ok to take the money, but then they shouldn't act like they care about the horseplayer or the game or say that they're "all about racing"

[Canarsie]

Originally Posted by Stillriledup

Its ok to take the money, but then they shouldn't act like they care about the horseplayer or the game or say that they're "all about racing"

A few things need to be pointed out here and by no means do I consider myself a huge fan of TVG economic wise.

1. They pay to be aired on cable otherwise there would be no TVG. It's the reason HRTV has limited distribution in most cases they refuse to pay.

2. They will have to pay even more to get broadcast in HD. The cable and satellite networks will hold them hostage for as much money they can get. It's the main reason the screen looks like crap during a race. I have watched TVG on MSG+ and its perfecto.

3. Certain racetracks can demand contractual obligation to air each and every race live. Mainly it the California tracks but that's where most of their income comes from. While I think showing a $10,000 maiden claimer over a stake is way over the top the signature on the contract says different. If I recall correctly TVG and NYRA had a dispute quite a few years back and NYRA wouldn't back down. They had the hammer and used it that''s part of the business world.

4. When they cut to commercials right before of after a race its due to the fact the the cable company gets 'x" amount of minutes per hour and basically when. Refusing to comply would violate the term of the contract I have no idea what the penalty might be.

5. There's a reason HRTV shows other types of racing and it's all about the money. If they could make more showing night racing they surely would.

When push comes to shove what would you rather have? A compromised TVG or no racing channel at all?

[KingChas]

Originally Posted by Canarsie

While I think showing a $10,000 maiden claimer over a stake is way over the top the signature on the contract says different. If I recall correctly TVG and NYRA had a dispute quite a few years back and NYRA wouldn't back down. They had the hammer and used it that''s part of the business world.

When push comes to shove what would you rather have? A compromised TVG or no racing channel at all?

I would like to see a TVG-East headquartered in NY.
When NYRA/Monmouth etc. are finished for the day they can switch back to to the TVG-West version.
Then they can take us back to the studio in between east coast races to show the west coast races on tape delay,of course after the results for those races are flashed across the bottom of the screen for quite a while.

[Appy]

The only disappointment I have with regards to TVG is the participatory state limitations they have in place and that they are smart enough not to get involved in pandering to the laughing stock that is current Kansas horse racing/gambling Politics.

[Marshall Bennett]

Originally Posted by KingChas

I would like to see a TVG-East headquartered in NY.
When NYRA/Monmouth etc. are finished for the day they can switch back to to the TVG-West version.

TVG's lucky they're operating anywhere. I had expected both them and HRTV to throw in the towel at any time. TVG reduced it's staff size.
We're fortunate to have a horse racing network at all, especially two of them. I try not to knock them too much for that reason.