Cutbacks at TVG

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

The problem I have with TVG is what was mentioned above. 92.8 percent of the "experts" have done little to no preparation for the races they'll be covering during the course of a show. I get that it might be hard to 'cap 50 races or whatever for a four hour show, but come on, at least read the form for like 1/4 of the tracks TVG will be broadcasting.

Yep - it's amazing how this is tolerated by the network.

After a while - you can't even blame the analysts ... they are clearly being allowed to 'get over' by the higher ups.

The only ones who actually do any real work are Perloff and Carrouthers.

When Stauffer's on - at least you're getting a 'Sheets' perspective. I know A LOT of people don't care about hearing about sheet patterns, form cycles, and that type of analysis ... but I've always said any national racing network should have one guy employed who takes that approach to the game.

I know a lot of people hate Matt C and Vic - but they're really 2/3rds of the best they have to work with when they're not trying to act like a jackass.

Is it so hard for the higher-ups to tell these guys "look - no one thinks you're entertaining and certainly no one - other than maybe your mother - thinks you're interesting. Just talk about up-coming races - or racing and handicapping in general. Nobuddy cares about the other bullsh!t."

Instead - it's almost like higher-ups encourage some of these guys to behave like complete fools. I doubt it was Matt Carouthers idea to suddenly start acting like Jim Cramer.

[slotdirt]

Carothers is grating, but seems to at least understand the game. TVG could definitely do worse. Oh wait, they do.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

I'm personally not a big fan at all of the handicapping approach Carothers takes - but he does do some work and he prepars.

Basically, he does his job.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

'National Racing Report' on NYRA's website has become the most watchable national racing recap show.

New episode today on right hand side: http://www.nyra.com/index_aqueduct.html

[stonegossard]

Originally Posted by Scav

But some of the stuff he and Greg Wolf say makes you wonder about them though. They have been working there for almost ten years, and it is like they haven't picked up a single piece of knowledge on their own. I should include Simon Bray also. I get that alot of trainers don't know a lick about wagering / ticket structure, but the stuff Bray says sometimes makes me think he is missing some chromosomes.

yeah...Rudolph, Wolf, Schrupp are absolutely horrible. But TVG never has been concerned with the real horseplayers. They are a gimmick channel. So to them having idiots babble on about nothing to do with racing is their goal. Simon Bray is an embarassment....you would think a guy who was a trainer (an average one at best) would have some horse racing knowledge....but he doesn't.

Right now it's 2 min to post Race 3 at AQU and Shcrupp and Wolf are on tv talking about coffee.

[Kasept]

TVG lays off several staff members
By Matt Hegarty

Television Games Network has fired approximately 20 workers, including several of its on-air commentators, as part of an effort to reduce costs, the company’s chief executive confirmed on Thursday. Although company officials would not comment beyond a statement acknowledging the firings, the biographies of four television hosts – Bob Baedeker, Chris Kotulak, Frank Lyons, and Frank Mirahmadi – were no longer available on the company’s website on Thursday.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by Kasept

TVG lays off several staff members
By Matt Hegarty

Television Games Network has fired approximately 20 workers, including several of its on-air commentators, as part of an effort to reduce costs, the company’s chief executive confirmed on Thursday. Although company officials would not comment beyond a statement acknowledging the firings, the biographies of four television hosts – Bob Baedeker, Chris Kotulak, Frank Lyons, and Frank Mirahmadi – were no longer available on the company’s website on Thursday.

THAT sucks.

This is devastating news!

Charlie Sheen. Fired.
Bob Baedeker. Fired.
Frank Lyons. Fired. Two months later: Dies in a pool of his own vomit, piss, and s.hit.

[my miss storm cat]

I love Frank Lyons.

You need a spanking for that one.

Hey he needs to put the bottle down. Plus there were times towards the end where he seemed to be on xanies.

[my miss storm cat]

Yeah I know but you know i always like the druggies.

It just works out that way.

You've got to admit, he's got a lot of personality and charm.

Can't exactly say that for some over in TVGLand.

[jms62]

And they kept Vic?

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by jms62

And they kept Vic?

Crazy right.

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Yeah I know but you know i always like the druggies.

It just works out that way.

You've got to admit, he's got a lot of personality and charm.

Can't exactly say that for some over in TVGLand.

I'm sure Les Onaka is the life of the party.

Dave Weaver is probably the most entertaining of all the analysts.

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

I'm sure Les Onaka is the life of the party.

Dave Weaver is probably the most entertaining of all the analysts.

I would rather party with Les than Ken.

Mr. B probably won't sue because he is flush...BUT he would have a solid case considering his age and the fact that the revenues were up about 90 million.

[Indian Charlie]

Franky Lyons was easily the most tolerable to listen to.

They've had a couple of chicks though that probably should be, or should have been, on camera more.

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by jms62

And they kept Vic?

I believe Stauffer has ended his association with TVG.

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by Kasept

I believe Stauffer has ended his association with TVG.

that was fast

[jms62]

Originally Posted by Kasept

I believe Stauffer has ended his association with TVG.

I'm going to get caned after I get skinned and tarred and feathered but I thought he did a decent job.