ABC/ESPN slaps around IndyCar AGAIN

[ChicagocrewIRL]

New host for the '500'; Cheever's role expanded

No offense to this young lady whom I have never heard of, but removing Brent Musburger from the hosting job is another downgrade in ABC/ESPN's continuing mistreatment of IndyCar. She might be talented but I would wager she is no Keith Jackson, Jim McKay, Brent Musburger, or Chris Schenckel, Paul Page or even Bob Jenkins

ABC/ESPN clearly does not listen to the fan base when it comes to the feedback regarding the present broadcast crew of Reid and Goodyear.

Thanks again ABC/ESPN for making IndyCar a non-story even when Sato won his first IndyCar race, absolutely no mention on ESPN Sportscenter.

With media giant COMCAST owning NBC, I am really hoping they buy out the remaining ABC/ESPN contract to cover the 500.

[bricarr2]

ChicagoCrewIRL:

I live in the Washington DC area Where Lindsey Czarniak was on the local NBC affiliate for a few years. I don't know her racing background (or if she even has one). However, she's very professional and will be prepared for hosting the 500, which by itself, constitutes an upgrade for ABC/ESPN.

As for the non-coverage on SportsCenter, ESPN's indifference to IndyCar (their partner) has been apparent for decades now. ABC/ESPN has network exclusivity yet they won't even run "Sato wins Long Beach" on the bottom line.

Something has to be done to improve this TV deal. While I don't know what that is, I can't see things getting better anytime soon.

Brian

[Jag_Warrior]

What's the over/under bet on the Indy 500 ratings this year? 4.0? By hiring Cheever as "talent" and having some semi-cutesy, unknown fluff reporter to host the show, I'm guessing that somebody from ABC has big money on the under. Onion gum, indeed...

[ChicagocrewIRL]

I'm sorry but when I watch a sporting event where the play by play is by a female I just get the impression that it isn't that important an event. This is what ABC is doing to the 500. Lowering the budget to no longer afford Musburger to host is a huge slap in the face of IndyCar and the 500.

Be honest.... Not trying to be sexist here but that's the impression I get when there is a female booth announcer at a non female of gender neutral sporting event. It's just not that important an event. Right ?

Having Musburger host anything gives the event a certain amount of gravitas .

[millencolin]

Glad I'm going this year, I won't have to hear the constant whine and be irritated by the ABC network commentary team. They should do what they did towards the end of last year and use the NBC guys.

[vhatever]

Removing Brent Moronburger could never possibly considered a downgrade for any sporting event.

[call_me_andrew]

I'm sorry but when I watch a sporting event where the play by play is by a female I just get the impression that it isn't that important an event. This is what ABC is doing to the 500. Lowering the budget to no longer afford Musburger to host is a huge slap in the face of IndyCar and the 500.

Be honest.... Not trying to be sexist here but that's the impression I get when there is a female booth announcer at a non female of gender neutral sporting event. It's just not that important an event. Right ?

Having Musburger host anything gives the event a certain amount of gravitas .

"Host" and "play-by-play" are differet jobs.

If memory serves, Robin Roberts was ABC's host in the 90's/early 00's.

[bricarr2]

Male/female isn't really the issue IMO.

All I ask is that ABC/ESPN professionalize their coverage one of these decades. Their continued arrogance and indifference to IndyCar's crown jewel event is insulting, and a disservice to those who love the event.

[ChicagocrewIRL]

"Host" and "play-by-play" are differet jobs.

If memory serves, Robin Roberts was ABC's host in the 90's/early 00's.

Host of what ? She drove the pace car once. That's it.

Keith Jackson and Jim McKay hosted the telecast in the 70's and late 80's ....

Paul Page hosted AND did play by play from 1988-1998, a remarkable run during open wheel's glory days. To me, growing up, Paul Page was THE voice of the 500.

Al Michaels took over from 1999-2001
Bob Jenkins 2002-03
Terry Gannon 2004
Brent Musburger 2005-12

Like I said, I wish her the best but when you go from guys that have done NCAA Championships, Super Bowls, Monday Night Football, Olympics etc. to some person who has only hosted a sports news/talk show on ESPN, it is a DOWNGRADE.

[ChicagocrewIRL]

Something has to be done to improve this TV deal. While I don't know what that is, I can't see things getting better anytime soon.

Brian

Yes that something is for COMCAST/NBC to buy out the remaining contract for the 500 from ESPN/ABC and have NBC air it from now on.