I've been in the television industry since
1970 when I began working on Saturday morning
network TV on ABC. Much of my career is in
the TV commercial business, but early on I
worked on over 200 film and animation projects
for the Children's Television Workshop and
their shows Sesame Street and the Electric
Company as a writer, director, producer and
editor. I also have produced thousands of
TV commercials ranging from the old Orange
County International Raceway spots of the
early '70s to bringing the award-winning commercials
for the Department of Transportation featuring
Vince and Larry Crash Dummies to life. I also
edited corporate films for world-renowned
director Saul Bass and edited documentaries
including a weird one for the Firesign Theater.
In addition to producing and editing five
CLIO Award-winning commercials over the years,
productions on which I've worked have won
ADDY awards, and a Silver Lion at the Cannes
Film Festival. I am a voting member of the
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences -- you
know, the guys who stage the Emmy Awards.
I grew up in this business and sat in on
the early days of network TV observing my
father's long career behind the microphone
and in front of the camera.
Bill, we sure agree on one thing: there are
"obvious shortcomings which exist on our ESPN
coverage of the NHRA." I chose to bring them
forward, while it appears that you and ESPN
have denied introspection in light of a documented
19 percent slide in
ADVERTISEMENT
 |
your
show's ratings since the 2001 season. Are
you proud of the .2 rating with a one share
for the Gatornationals Finals show? Could
nobody on your staff of "dedicated broadcasters"
find an area for improvement or do you wait
for the "official" caveat to explain away
the ratings shortcomings? Was it the time
slot this time?
As far as talking to anyone connected with
the show, I have spoken to a number of current
and former members of the ESPN television
staff, who demanded anonymity, and they see
the TV show's problems, have solutions, and
mourn for the time when the show was a lot
better. I also conducted the Drag Racing Online
InnerView with Mike Dunn in our November 2003
issue.
The bottom line is that I'm criticizing your
ESPN show as a fan and all I want is an entertaining
drag racing show. I find that your show has
become void of spontaneity. Have you taken
the time to see how that might have happened
or is it easier to question my experience
in network television? You serve the drag
racing public as I do; ratings are your bottom
line and circulation is ours. It is truly
not important what you think, but if your
product is not selling to your audience, you
must change it.
I want to see a TV show that better showcases
our sport and you seem to want to maintain
the status quo. I suggest that rather than
attacking the messenger - deal with the message.
Darr Hawthorne
Now, here are more messages
from our readers:
Great article, but where is Brett Kepner?
Just read (Darr's) article. Great job, I'm
sure the late great Steve Evans is toasting
to it somewhere. I see you didn't mention
Brett Kepner. I happen to think he did a great
job and would be a great addition or replacement
in the pits interviewing the drivers and giving
his perspectives, with his lit ciggy and all.
Trouble with today's broadcast is they try
to do too much. They should just cover TF,
NF, and Pro Stock, no bikes, edit it for a
one hour show, cut out half the interviews
with the drivers and crew chiefs. Keep the
third guy out of the booth (driver that didn't
make the show or got knocked off in the first
round). Also, like you said, learn to keep
their mouths shut and let the action speak
for itself (cars staging) and work on the
sound.
Thank you.
Jeff C.
New Hampshire home of New England Dragway
