Speed channel to no longer carry F1 in USA

Problem with NBC Sports is that it's typically on the most expensive cable/satellite packages out there. I have a feeling ratings will drop. (Not that they aren't that high to begin with)

Hopefully the North American races are on NBC.

Blame Bernie and his high fee. They had to spam it with commercials just to make ends meet (presumably).

It's not Bernie this time, from what I understand the Speed Channel is going away by the end of the year - no more automotive sports channels for fox.

I really hope NBC doesn't get it, I'd rather see Velocity get it. NBC will do delayed airings I fear, just like fox.

ESPN has done a great job with NASCAR. I figure they could do F1 proud.

ESPN has done a great job with NASCAR. I figure they could do F1 proud.

I beg to differ. ESPN was the first one to broadcast a lot of motorsports regularly, but it's by far the worst at it.

ESPN has done a great job with NASCAR. I figure they could do F1 proud.

ESPN had F1 from the 80's through to 1997. ESPN aired commericals for the season opening Australian GP without confirming their contract. They simply took it for granted. Fox swept in at the last minute, negotiated a deal and got it.

So, they showed commericals for a race, right up to a few hours before, that did not air on their network.

ESPN did NOT send its commentary crew to races in later years either. And prior to that, Varsha and Hobbs were seated in the back of a mini-van in the infield watching a couple of small monitors (they showed this once at Imola). Amazing they did as well as they did under those circumstances.

And, for anyone equating "good football coverage" with anticipation of "good" auto racing coverage

I beg to differ. ESPN was the first one to broadcast a lot of motorsports regularly, but it's by far the worst at it.

Riding along on past glories and no one has a higher opinion of themselves.

They weren't even first, but they'll tell you they were.

I wasn't kidding earlier. Speed was already getting pretty ridiculous with the content of their motorsport programming, but it's nothing compared to NBC Sports.

let's take next Sunday for example:

Speed: http://www.speedtv.c...date/2012-10-14

NBC Sports: http://affiliate.zap...mp;stnNum=15952

can you imagine the usual european GP being inserted in the NBC Sports morning lineup there? or in the middle of the night? if the ratings were bad on Speed, this will be something else.. lol

Well, yeah I can because the middle is "infomercials" which could be bumped and which SPEED airs and even ESPN did at one time. The outdoor programs might be carry over from the networks earlier days. I have no idea what contract those are under.

SPEED is going away, NBC Sports is adding motorsports programming. If they add one or two more, they'd probably surpass SPEED.

Riding along on past glories and no one has a higher opinion of themselves.

They weren't even first, but they'll tell you they were.

They were the first to make it a regular event rather than an occasional show, AFAIK.

ESPN had F1 from the 80's through to 1997. ESPN aired commericals for the season opening Australian GP without confirming their contract. They simply took it for granted. Fox swept in at the last minute, negotiated a deal and got it.

So, they showed commericals for a race, right up to a few hours before, that did not air on their network.

ESPN did NOT send its commentary crew to races in later years either. And prior to that, Varsha and Hobbs were seated in the back of a mini-van in the infield watching a couple of small monitors (they showed this once at Imola). Amazing they did as well as they did under those circumstances.

And, for anyone equating "good football coverage" with anticipation of "good" auto racing coverage

You do know that Speed don't send Varsha and Hobbs either.

If any of you all watch the NASCAR coverage you would know that ESPN blows Fox out of the water. I know it's subjective but I don't see how anyone could disagree.


F1 needs ESPN to cover it, if they want to succeed in the US market.

Here's the problem with NBC.

F1 is going to get stuck on NBC sports. And you know who has NBC sports? A lot less people than ESPN.

If ESPN picks up F1, that means F1 will get the full treatment: spots on SportsCenter, Commercials, the possibility to air on ABC, plus WatchESPN. Now tell me you would not want to be able to watch F1 on your phone in the US.

If F1 is serious about being a big name in the US, they will take whatever ESPN offers them, if they are lucky enough to receive an offer from ESPN.

You do know that Speed don't send Varsha and Hobbs either.

If any of you all watch the NASCAR coverage you would know that ESPN blows Fox out of the water. I know it's subjective but I don't see how anyone could disagree.


F1 needs ESPN to cover it, if they want to succeed in the US market.

Yes, well aware it. Pointing it out to those posters who apparently believe that practice began with SPEED.

Sorry, I just agree with Dmitriy on principle I just don't like ESPN's self-inflated view of itself. I used to greatly enjoy the broadcast team of Punch, Ned Jarrett and Benny Parsons. They do many things well, just not as well as they think. And, yeah, that is even considering how bad FOX and TNT are/can be. For example, when ESPN lost NASCAR, they trashed it. Nice folks.

Since ESPN once covered F1...and we're having this discussion, doesn't that kind of disprove your point?

ESPN is not the end all and be-all of sports, but they've done a damn good job of convincing many people otherwise

Here's the problem with NBC.

F1 is going to get stuck on NBC sports. And you know who has NBC sports? A lot less people than ESPN.

If ESPN picks up F1, that means F1 will get the full treatment: spots on SportsCenter, Commercials, the possibility to air on ABC, plus WatchESPN. Now tell me you would not want to be able to watch F1 on your phone in the US.

If F1 is serious about being a big name in the US, they will take whatever ESPN offers them, if they are lucky enough to receive an offer from ESPN.

But, that's the point, ESPN had F1 into the 90's and all the "treatment" on SportsCenter was "highlights" of crashes with a notoriously anti-auto racing TV personality providing his own mean-spirited and derisive commentary. Either that or the same "highlights" read by someone who had not the foggiest clue of anything about racing. Usually it was simply joke city, with the crew practicing their attempts at catch phrases. And all of that usually came 50 minutes in, unless there was a spectacular crash...then it moved forward.

The first part is true, but clearly NBC plans on building the network, likely through the same means as ESPN did.

Edited by Jim Thurman, 12 October 2012 - 21:10.

...NBC plans on building the network, likely through the same means as ESPN did.

NBC intends to do pretty much the same as Speed did.

http://www.sportsbus...edia/F1-TV.aspx

But, that's the point, ESPN had F1 into the 90's and all the "treatment" on SportsCenter was "highlights" of crashes with a notoriously anti-auto racing TV personality providing his own mean-spirited and derisive commentary. Either that or the same "highlights" read by someone who had not the foggiest clue of anything about racing. Usually it was simply joke city, with the crew practicing their attempts at catch phrases. And all of that usually came 50 minutes in, unless there was a spectacular crash...then it move forward.

The first part is true, but clearly NBC plans on building the network, likely through the same means as ESPN did.

I will take your word for it. Maybe NBC is going to really put forth the effort on this. I just feel as though ESPN would get F1 in front of a lot more eyes.

Speed started going downhill when they started cutting motorsports for redneck car reality shows.

Problem with NBC Sports is that it's typically on the most expensive cable/satellite packages out there. I have a feeling ratings will drop. (Not that they aren't that high to begin with)

Hopefully the North American races are on NBC.

Actually I have basic cable and I get NBCSP but not SPEED so I for one welcome this change

Actually I have basic cable and I get NBCSP but not SPEED so I for one welcome this change

That is strange. You live in NC?


Also that picture of Stewart is horrifying.

NBC Sports Outbids Fox In Multiyear Deal For U.S. Rights To F1 Telecasts

From SportsBusinessDaily.Com


F1 is close to signing a multiyear U.S. rights deal with NBC Sports, according to several sources. The deal could be signed as early as this afternoon. NBC is expected to make a formal announcement early next week. Terms of the deal are not yet known, but sources said NBC outbid Fox. Sources valued Fox' previous deal in the low seven figures annually. The move ends a 16-year relationship between Fox and F1, as the racing circuit first sold its U.S. rights to Fox in '96. In the ensuing years, Fox showed a handful of races every year on its broadcast network, but the majority were on Speed. Fox Sports VP/Communications Lou D'Ermilio said, "It's disappointing to learn that F1 has elected to move forward with a different media partner. Speed has been the U.S. voice of F1 since the mid '90s, and it is a passion for many people at the network. Fox Sports Media Group made what we believed to be a fiscally responsible bid based on the sport's current viewership levels, but F1 has elected to go in another direction. We wish them well." NBC and F1 have agreed to a similar deal to what the racing circuit had with Fox, with the broadcast net carrying a small number of races each year and NBC Sports Network carrying the bulk of the schedule. The move helps NBC as it looks to build up the programming lineup on NBCSN with more live sports. The move also fits Fox Sports' strategy, as it is in the process of switching its Speed cable channel into an all-sports channel called Fox Sports 1. That channel would carry programming like MLB, college football and UFC. There is less of a need for racing programming like F1.

Edited by FSA, 12 October 2012 - 23:01.

As OLB has mentioned,since the Olympics and their Hockey deal,I have noticed in my travels that the NBCSN is more prevalent than SPEED is nowadays.
Don't know what all the talk about ESPN is for.
They ain't doing it.
Jp

Having watched F1 on Speedvision/Speed since the very early days of their coverage, I can honestly say I will miss their coverage. I hope we get something better than what we have now but I am not holding my breath. Just look back at the Olympics. Total hatchet job by NBC. Talk about a commercial fest.......

The three amigos might not be everyone's favorite but considering what they have had to work with I think they have done a fair job. I have actually come to enjoy listening to them.

Rest in peace Speedvision.

Let's take your job away and see how long you wish to delay to secure an income. Moronic post.

Doing this in full view of the public on Twitter is utterly unprofessional and naive. Buxton only has himself to blame if he is out of work next year. From the sounds of the comments here though no one is going to miss his reports from the track and I can second that.

Speed TV is being rebranded Fox Sports 1. They are also working to get the newly branded channel into the lower tier packages like ESPN has. For the most part, basic cable/sat in the US included at least a couple of ESPN channel. Speed and NBCS (formerly Versus) are in an upper tier, "digital" package on most systems requiring the subscriber to purchase more than perhaps they would like. NBCS is also working to get into a lower tier, more inclusive package on cable/sat. That is the reason far more people have access to the ESPN family than both Speed and NBCS combined. On most system you can get Speed and NBCS, but you have to pay more. Both Fox and NBC are looking to make a run at ESPN.

As for the ads, it's about 16 min an hour. That's regular for ad based TV in the US, including some subscription channels. Some subscription channels don't carry ads, HBO and Showtime to name a couple but most of the sports channels do carry ads.

Edited by loki, 13 October 2012 - 00:15.

I'm more worried about how FOX are going to handle MotoGP, if they actually are going to bother with it in the first place.

That is strange. You live in NC?


Also that picture of Stewart is horrifying.

MD Suburbs of DC on Xfinity.

Any word what Varsha will be doing? I cannot help, but this guy had a calming effect on me. Intelectual, sensitive to multi-cultural differences, a gentleman.

My bet is that those frigging Barrett/Jackson auctions will be getting a lot more air time now---as if they don't get enough as it is--so Varsha will still have plenty of work.

Unfortunately my prediction may well come true. I HATE those auctions!!

My bet is that those frigging Barrett/Jackson auctions will be getting a lot more air time now---as if they don't get enough as it is--so Varsha will still have plenty of work.

Unfortunately my prediction may well come true. I HATE those auctions!!

I'd bet that the auctions won't be part of the new network. Perhaps they'll find a home at Velocity like Mecum has or another basic cable outlet. FWIW, the auctions and reality programming made a lot more money for Speed than F1.

Man I hope Bob Varsha breaks out of the contract and goes to the new employer. I remember I came to the USA and didn't understand a word of English but had to watch my F1 races. I thought it was complete sacrilege when I found out that Americans watch sports with commercials right in between them, and boy was I mad. Even though I had no idea what Bobby was saying, I was thinking that voice is so unique, simply loved it, and it helped me get through these horribly chopped up races by stupid commercials.

I need my Varsha!!!!

Doing this in full view of the public on Twitter is utterly unprofessional and naive. Buxton only has himself to blame if he is out of work next year. From the sounds of the comments here though no one is going to miss his reports from the track and I can second that.

Thank You..
Jp

I'm concerned what implications, if any, this has for Canadian coverage since TSN is partially owned by ESPN. Status quo is fine.

I don't think this will matter much for F1 fans here in the States. I imagine NBCSN will treat it just as Speed did except the commentary team will probably be tweaked (bummer for me because I liked them). However, I wouldn't get my hopes up if you're thinking you're going to get better coverage. NBCSN is trying to compete with ESPN. Problem is they lack programming. A lot of their older contracts with hunting shows from prior channel mergers are expiring so they're looking to replace them with more sports programming. My guess is F1 is going to be a place holder until they can get more established and make a run at larger contracts with the NFL, college sports, the NBA, and MLB. So I don't expect them to give some superduper access, it'll just be our usual coverage on a new network.

It's a little bittersweet to see Speed go for me. I'm probably being stubborn but I still feel like an all (or at least predominant) motorsports channel could work. They just never seemed strike the right balance.

There has to be a good chance NBC will try to hire the Speed F1 commentary team to start their coverage, probably supplementing it with some occasional appearances from ex-F1 drivers who are known in the US.

Edited by FSA, 14 October 2012 - 00:40.

I just realised that NBCSPORTS is not the same as NBC. I don't mind TSN's limited coverage.

There has to be a good chance NBC will try to hire the Speed F1 commentary team to start their coverage, supplementing it with some appearances from ex-F1 drivers who are known in the States (of which there are plenty racing Indycars/Nascar now).

My guess is at least Hobbo and Matchet. I don't see how Varsha will fit in at Fox Sports 1 when they go to more stick and ball sports. Perhaps he can do F1 as well.

As long as the commentary team is Varsha, Hobbes, and Matchett, then I am happy.

I do like the 'sound only' streams, but they're not always on when I can watch them. European races usually mean 4/5AM streams for FP1 and FP3. I'm an early bird, but not that early. And for the Eastern races, it means 9-10PM on Friday and Saturday, which I'm often out for or have people over. It'd be nice to have a TV broadcast that I can record and watch when its convenient for me.

totally agree.....

I believe this is TERRIBLE news. I found the current commentary team the best I've ever heard, except for the knowledge and excitement of Jackie Stewart... And to any who think this will be a step up are in for a rude awakening. Just look at the difference between the Speed coverage, and the Fox coverage. Absent is the sublime prose of Sam Posey. Instead, you get some amped up yahoo growling about some tarted-up conflict in the race.
Back in the Speed Vision days, the owner plainly said that showing F1 was a labor of love, and not profitable. I doubt if it's any different today. Especially with Burn-in-hell-ie E ramping up the fees. And I kind of liked the Speed broadcast. It was like I was in the club. They didn't have to dumb it down for casual viewers (like on fox). I loved the tone of their comments - natural, informative.
And I don't understand the nostalgia for ABC-ESPN coverage. Espn never understood racing. Never knew what to do with it, or how to present it. It was like they were embarrassed to show it. I remember one race that started out with a rap-up of sports scores. And they gave away the results of the race they were about to show! The jerks giggled about it, and went on. A'holes!
And, commercial time will go down, when they had to outbid Speed for the rights? I don't think so. Neither does Bernie!
I've been watching F1 on TV since it was a 15 minute segment on 'wide world of sports', in the e60's. Personally, I will mourn the passing of the Speed F1 team. F1 was their passion - not just a paycheck they had to show up for, as needed.
Thanks for the show, Bob, David, Steve, Sam - even Will. It was a good ride!

Back in the Speed Vision days, the owner plainly said that showing F1 was a labor of love, and not profitable. I doubt if it's any different today. Especially with Burn-in-hell-ie E ramping up the fees. And I kind of liked the Speed broadcast. It was like I was in the club. They didn't have to dumb it down for casual viewers (like on fox). I loved the tone of their comments - natural, informative.
And I don't understand the nostalgia for ABC-ESPN coverage. Espn never understood racing. Never knew what to do with it, or how to present it. It was like they were embarrassed to show it. I remember one race that started out with a rap-up of sports scores. And they gave away the results of the race they were about to show! The jerks giggled about it, and went on. A'holes!

As much as I despise ESPN on many levels, for many things, it should be pointed out that when ESPN was at its best racing wise, was when Roger Werner was COO or CEO. He was a racing fan, even did some club racing himself. Werner left ESPN and started...SpeedVision. Also, they did do some things right, for example, someone at ESPN made the call to team Varsha and Hobbs.

The incident you mention of the "jerks" giving the result of the race to follow and then laughing. Yep, remember that well and it involved the A**hole of all A**holes. The same fellow I was referring to in my post who would read the "highlights" on SportsCenter while making derisive remarks. He absolutely hates auto racing and goes out of his way to make opportunities to attack it.

Hopefully NBC Sports can afford some matching blazers for the broadcast crew

Yep, remember that well and it involved the A**hole of all A**holes. The same fellow I was referring to in my post who would read the "highlights" on SportsCenter while making derisive remarks. He absolutely hates auto racing and goes out of his way to make opportunities to attack it.

Who was that, btw? Olbermann?

@JennaFryer: NBC Sports Group signs 4-year deal for #F1 US rights. 4 races on NBC, 16 on NBC Sports Network.

@JennaFryer: Intent is to show all live. RT @digger3210: @JennaFryer Any idea on how many live?

@JennaFryer: Qualifying and practices sessions are scheduled for NBC Sports Network. Everything will be streamed live online.

Hopefully NBC Sports can afford some matching blazers for the broadcast crew



Who was that, btw? Olbermann?

Matching blazers The big question is what color?

He doesn't deserved to be mentioned here, but...yes.

@JennaFryer: NBC Sports Group signs 4-year deal for #F1 US rights. 4 races on NBC, 16 on NBC Sports Network.

@JennaFryer: Intent is to show all live. RT @digger3210: @JennaFryer Any idea on how many live?

@JennaFryer: Qualifying and practices sessions are scheduled for NBC Sports Network. Everything will be streamed live online.

Sounds good to me.

While I'm feeling positive that the change may yet bring more extensive coverage than we currently enjoy here in the States, I am very disappointed to hear that it will likely mean the end of the current commentary team. Best in the business, in my opinion--they love Formula One as well as what they do, and it shows. It will be hard for me to adjust.

Edited by Afterburner, 15 October 2012 - 00:28.

This sucks... Bernie can kiss my A$$... I have been a SpeedTV fan from the start... nobody will devote as much coverage. This blows too!!!

This ones not on Bernie, and I'd be the last one to defend him. NBC simply outbid Fox. Really hope the Speed boys can work it out to continue. Varsha has a contract for '13 still with Speed/Fox. I know he enjoys Barrett but F1 has been his bread and butter. I would be very happy if the other boys do next year and then Bob come to join again. Imagine a whole year of Machett and Hobbs with no adult supervision! I'll have to find alternate viewing opportunities if NBC brings Posey in...

Best news I've heard all day.

I am in the camp that will be happy to see SPEED lose the coverage but am unhappy that the broadcast team may not be carried over to the new network.

I don't know what the obsession with Varsha is. He comes off as a slightly absent minded snob. I hope NBC hires Hobbs and Matchett but not Varsha. Leigh Diffey, Varsha's replacement for some races, is way better.

Edited by Chomsky, 15 October 2012 - 02:05.

I don't know what the obsession with Varsha is. He comes off as a slightly absent minded snob. I hope NBC hires Hobbs and Matchett but not Varsha. Leigh Diffey, Varsha's replacement for some races, is way better.

imo,

1. Matchett
2. Hobbs
3. Buxton
4. Varsha

I would prefer not to see Robin Miller doing to broadcasts but Im sure alot of people would like to see him on the coverage.

Hobbs-Matchett-Varsha is a great commentating trio.

I'd say they are better than the Sky and BBC crews.

imo,

1. Matchett
2. Hobbs
3. Buxton
4. Varsha

I would prefer not to see Robin Miller doing to broadcasts but Im sure alot of people would like to see him on the coverage.

No need to worry about Robin Miller. He's an Indycar guy, doubt he'd be interested in F1 other than as a one-off.

And, besides, those other countries don't have Steak N' Shake.

I don't know what the obsession with Varsha is. He comes off as a slightly absent minded snob. I hope NBC hires Hobbs and Matchett but not Varsha. Leigh Diffey, Varsha's replacement for some races, is way better.

It's a matter of personal taste, really. I can't stand Diffey's loud, shouting style of commentary, and I much prefer Varsha's usually calm tone when calling the race--I don't need a screaming, fast-talking commentator to help me get excited about what's going on. It's for this same reason I could never really stand Derek Daly and Ralph Sheheen's stints on CBS. They were perhaps the worst commentary team I've listened to in my time watching.

Credit to Sheheen, though, he called practice in Monza for Speed last year and did a job that was overwhelmingly better than his previous effort. Wouldn't want him as a regular, though.