Short Track on TV

[Lindsey]

After mentioning that I was interesting in getting a petition started to get more short track on TV, I did a small amount of research on the Internet to see how this could be done.

But I need help. I really would like to get this going, but I don't know where to start. The ISU's website has nothing about television showings, nor does the USSpeedskating website (which I am not all that impressed with), and again, nothing on the Word Short Track site.

Is there no discussion about getting more ST on the air? I've read a few blogs about the subject, but nothing official. I'd really like to see what has been done about the matter before I start something. And then, if I do something, how do you send it to a television corporation? NBC says they do not accept creative ideas for shows, but does that include all suggestions for programming?

Anything you guys know or want to share would be appreciated.... Thanks, guys!

[CrimsonAngel]

Lindsey I like to help. I know a little about sponorships and TV as sales. Let me get some research done.

[sintha]

Lindsey---that's great that your tryin' to put ST on tv....umm Comcast cable will be showing ST sometime in the next couple of weeks....for WOrlds
That's all i know about...but if you do start a petition then i will def. support it and help as much i can. Don't give up!!!LOL

[Lindsey]

I had heard about the Comcast showing, too... But why not network television, too? Short track can be just as exciting as other races such as NASCAR and horse races, so why not show it? After the huge success of figure skating, you think a network would give ST a try at some point, too...

Warhorse & Ruffian: how does horse racing fare on television? Do you think short track would have the same appeal? I realize their differences, and the fact that betting on ST is probably not as big a thing (!), but what about the excitement?

[sintha]

i agree Lindsey. ST is very EXCITING!!!
ok im not a NASCAR fan but, im sorry i cannot watch race cars go round in top speed for like what some ridiculous amount of laps ( is it over 100???LOL)
i would rather watch ST ...it's 4-6 human beings racing ( include all the passes and contact and those icredible angles) !!!c'mon

[CrimsonAngel]

Lindsey, I think Apolo has the appeal. I mean think of Salt Lake, I mean Apolo put Short Track on the map, in fact he put Speedskating on the map, in terms of people watching it.

That's why Apolo either needs to go to 2010, or stay with the sport in some kind of commentary or coaching capacity to keep attention on the sport. Especially American attention. And they need to put World's on TV, start it off like that.

Or maybe do something like Extreme Sports Sunday, and have Apolo host like that, along with maybe Shawn and some of the people from Snowboarding, keep the attention focused on the viewers, NBC could do something like that.

[sintha]

You know i always thought that the Commenters should be actual retired or athletes that had competed in that sport.
I dunno maybe it's just me. But it would be sooo much better if APolo commented on ST races...

Crimson----hmm...APolo and SHawn??....that would be very ineresting

[CrimsonAngel]

I think that Apolo could do that during the Games, like Scott Hamilton and all TV races, like Worlds...then maybe him and Shawn White could do a show like Extreme Sports Sunday, and be the anchor.

Anything that will get Short Track on TV. Now again, what about sponsors, remember they have to be something that everybody would want to buy, like Mountain Dew. That's why they fair so well.

How about skate companies?

[apolosgal]

I think it's great i would really like to c ST on TV.

I just got back from watching the world championships cuz it was in my state!! (yay) but anyways there was cameras recording the races but i know it was on tv in Korea.

[rach2crazy]

ST on TV, i would love 2 see it!! apolosgal, ur so lucky that u got 2 see a ST race, i always wanted 2 see it, **sighs** Anyways, i would love 2 see it!

[apolosgal]

I took some pictures at the worlds and i would post them but i don't know how.

I'm addicted to short track now the World championship was so much fun. especially the relays our mens team won bronze. yay!!

[sintha]

You know countries like Korea, CHina, and Canada have televised ST. But America hasn't, the sport still isn't "popular" enough to get recognized by the TV indusrty..LOL.

Is it becuase of some sorta money issue....or not enough sponsors?? i don't know...

If i see curling being televised...(besides Olympics)...then i would just go crazy...LOL

[CrimsonAngel]

Well look at it this way, the Torino Games didn't exactly pull in super big ratings, neither did Salt Lake, and it was here in the States, and right after 9/11. Because of the fact that it was right after 9/11 is the reason that it did really good in the ratings, but the nights were consistent, of course, women's figure skating was the biggest draw.

Actually, if you think about it, Apolo then was what Shawn White is now, he was the break-out star, but alot of people really still didn't watch Short Track...it might not be until 2014 when people will break their backs to see the Short Track events...because they will be excited to see what happens in 2010, by then 2014 it will be a regular event to watch during the Games.

[August]

I would love to see more speed skating on network television. Or anywhere for that matter. To think that an entire cable channel is dedicated to golf! No offense to the golf fans out there. The powers that be must know that there has been an increase in the popularity of speed skating. If they know this, then they most likely also know that Apolo is a big part of the reason why. Perhaps they don't consider it a sound investment because what if he leaves the sport and the popularity takes a nose dive. That's why any promotion, any petitions have to be about more than Apolo. They have to be made aware that speed skating as a whole (long and short track) is significant enough to make it worth the air time we'd like to see.

[lauramj]

august..i do not know why they don't give it more coverage...i few months ago i got new satellite service with a large number of sports channels..like 4 or 5 espns and such..and even their olympic coverage was so limited..i was really surprised about that...