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Letters to the Editors

The event is reason fans tune in, not ads


© St. Petersburg Times
published February 18, 2002

As a fan of racing (not commercials and graphics), I wish television networks would show more actual racing and less ads, race school info, commentators, etc.

Showing driver graphics on a restart that blocks the view of second position through fifth is crazy. I understand commercials are essential to sponsors and that educational info will grow a fan base, but I'm sure more fans would stay in front of the TV if there was a small picture of the race during all breaks in broadcasting. NBC missed the second restart after yellow completely; luckily it had the forethought to rejoin the race when the "Big One" took place.

Basically I wish all TV networks broadcasting live sports were more concerned with action than advertisements. The race is the reason fans watch in the first place.
-- Lynn Dickey, Indianapolis

The race was great, but the Ch. 8 coverage was terrible. It had more commercial time than race time. So many of its camera shots were as if they were taken from the Goodyear blimp. The cars were so small they looked like ants scooting around the track.

No complaints with the commentators.

We think Fox coverage is much better.
-- David and Barbara MacDonald, Hernando

Broadcaster Benny (Parsons) and company fall behind Darrell Waltrip and his gang because the coverage is not as timely. Sunday, there were events on the track, seen on the screen, that weren't described immediately because of a discussion line by the announcers. In addition, we, the fans, want to know how the pit stops are going, how long they take, etc.

The broadcast would be improved by replacing some of the crew chief interview snippets with pit stop info.
-- Walt Mitchell, Dunedin

There is a lot left to be desired with the performance of NBC. Fox makes it not only informative but fun. NBC will have to go a long way to out perform Fox network.
-- Anthony R. Tesoriero, Largo

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