From wrc.com 4/15/08

Millions more tune in to the WRC
The number of people tuning in to watch the WRC on television increased by 10 million between 2006 and 2007, according to figures announced by the World Rally Championship’s commercial division.

The latest statistics show that the total worldwide television audience for the WRC rose 20% in the previous five years to a 2007 total of 816 million.

International Sportsworld Communicators (ISC), the global media and commercial rights holders for the WRC, also revealed other statistics relating to the same period showing healthy increases in the sport’s popularity.

In the 12 months to 2007 the number of dedicated WRC television programmes increased by 40% to a total of 12,445, a figure which has quadrupled in the last five years. The WRC is now shown in over 180 countries and on more than 250 different TV channels.

Countries hosting new rounds of the WRC reported significant increases in their WRC programming figures from 2006; broadcasters RTE in Ireland and RTP in Portugal experienced increases of 206% and 443% respectively.

Revised broadcast arrangements led to larger WRC audiences in other countries too: a new deal with SVT in Sweden saw audiences up 772% while a new deal with Rai in Italy generated a 49% rise.

“These latest statistics are a tremendous reflection of the continued global and local appeal of WRC in what is an incredibly competitive and fast changing marketplace,” said Simon Long the Chief Executive of ISC. “They are also testament to the enthusiasm and creativity of everyone involved in staging the extraordinary spectacle which is the WRC. All things considered, we can look forward to another year of healthy development as we leave no stone unturned in our efforts to promote WRC to an ever wider community of fans.”

So... why not here in North America?? Oh yeah... no TV outlet!!! "If you air it, they will watch"

k31871 - 15 April 2008 10:04 PM

From wrc.com 4/15/08

Millions more tune in to the WRC
The number of people tuning in to watch the WRC on television increased by 10 million between 2006 and 2007, according to figures announced by the World Rally Championship’s commercial division.

The latest statistics show that the total worldwide television audience for the WRC rose 20% in the previous five years to a 2007 total of 816 million.

International Sportsworld Communicators (ISC), the global media and commercial rights holders for the WRC, also revealed other statistics relating to the same period showing healthy increases in the sport’s popularity.

In the 12 months to 2007 the number of dedicated WRC television programmes increased by 40% to a total of 12,445, a figure which has quadrupled in the last five years. The WRC is now shown in over 180 countries and on more than 250 different TV channels.

Countries hosting new rounds of the WRC reported significant increases in their WRC programming figures from 2006; broadcasters RTE in Ireland and RTP in Portugal experienced increases of 206% and 443% respectively.

Revised broadcast arrangements led to larger WRC audiences in other countries too: a new deal with SVT in Sweden saw audiences up 772% while a new deal with Rai in Italy generated a 49% rise.

“These latest statistics are a tremendous reflection of the continued global and local appeal of WRC in what is an incredibly competitive and fast changing marketplace,” said Simon Long the Chief Executive of ISC. “They are also testament to the enthusiasm and creativity of everyone involved in staging the extraordinary spectacle which is the WRC. All things considered, we can look forward to another year of healthy development as we leave no stone unturned in our efforts to promote WRC to an ever wider community of fans.”

So... why not here in North America?? Oh yeah... no TV outlet!!! "If you air it, they will watch"

Last I looked, Altitude had the North America rights tied up.

And don't forget, European TV tastes vary drasticlly from American tastes.

It's not just Europe... it's EVERYWHERE except the U.S. & Canada! NASCRAP has monopolized U.S. Motorsports for WAY too long!If WRC is given a good reliable TV outlet, & good marketing to back it up (like the NASCRAP machine) it'll rapidly grow & prosper.

k31871 - 18 April 2008 07:50 AM

It's not just Europe... it's EVERYWHERE except the U.S. & Canada! NASCRAP has monopolized U.S. Motorsports for WAY too long!If WRC is given a good reliable TV outlet, & good marketing to back it up (like the NASCRAP machine) it'll rapidly grow & prosper.

Speed is more interested in their #1 money maker, "Pinks" (trash that it is).

k31871 - 18 April 2008 07:50 AM

It's not just Europe... it's EVERYWHERE except the U.S. & Canada! NASCRAP has monopolized U.S. Motorsports for WAY too long!If WRC is given a good reliable TV outlet, & good marketing to back it up (like the NASCRAP machine) it'll rapidly grow & prosper.

Then why have WRC's owners, the FIA, not promoted and marketed it in the US like the France Family has done for NASCAR?

I'd love to see more rally coverage on Speed.

Come on guys, you know the demand is out there!

There's one "R" word I love- racing. There's one "R" word I'm sick of- rating. If it comes down to ratings as to why a certain motorsport is not on TV, then it's really a shame. People will have to realize that not everyone is from North Carolina and not everyone last NASCAR or some kind of oval racing besides the IndyCar Series (my favorite all-or-mostly oval series). We look to Speed because it's the 24/7 network for all things racing. When there isn't that wave of racing, its value is diminished on American television as well as to the fans that love the racing action. I haven't religiously watched WRC much, but that doesn't mean I dislike it. World Rally drivers are some of the ultimate daredevils as well as some of the infinitely brave racers on the planet. Seeing the drivers brave the elements is poetry in motion. Seeing drivers navigate the treacherous Acropolis Rally is much more interesting to watch than watching the demolition derby 500's at Martinsville and Bristol. Ratings get people to watch things, but I'm a classical thinker. Let the racing and quality of TV coverage decide if a series is good or not- NOT ratings. I basically have to rely on The Speed Report for WRC news. Why not show WRC on Speed again? We don't need to see Monster Jam. Again, if it comes down to ratings, who CARES about ratings?

I'm not going to hate on Pinks because I'm a Pinks fan.

JohnM - 16 May 2008 04:02 PM

There's one "R" word I love- racing. There's one "R" word I'm sick of- rating. If it comes down to ratings as to why a certain motorsport is not on TV, then it's really a shame. People will have to realize that not everyone is from North Carolina and not everyone last NASCAR or some kind of oval racing besides the IndyCar Series (my favorite all-or-mostly oval series). We look to Speed because it's the 24/7 network for all things racing. When there isn't that wave of racing, its value is diminished on American television as well as to the fans that love the racing action. I haven't religiously watched WRC much, but that doesn't mean I dislike it. World Rally drivers are some of the ultimate daredevils as well as some of the infinitely brave racers on the planet. Seeing the drivers brave the elements is poetry in motion. Seeing drivers navigate the treacherous Acropolis Rally is much more interesting to watch than watching the demolition derby 500's at Martinsville and Bristol. Ratings get people to watch things, but I'm a classical thinker. Let the racing and quality of TV coverage decide if a series is good or not- NOT ratings. I basically have to rely on The Speed Report for WRC news. Why not show WRC on Speed again? We don't need to see Monster Jam. Again, if it comes down to ratings, who CARES about ratings?

I'm not going to hate on Pinks because I'm a Pinks fan.

The advertisers that pay the bills. And don't forget, WRC jacked their price way way up, so much so that there was no way Speed could make money off it.

panthercity - 11 May 2008 12:55 PM

k31871 - 18 April 2008 07:50 AM

It's not just Europe... it's EVERYWHERE except the U.S. & Canada! NASCRAP has monopolized U.S. Motorsports for WAY too long!If WRC is given a good reliable TV outlet, & good marketing to back it up (like the NASCRAP machine) it'll rapidly grow & prosper.

Then why have WRC's owners, the FIA, not promoted and marketed it in the US like the France Family has done for NASCAR?

The FIA does not own the WRC, they are the sanctioning body.

When Speed used to show WRC, I watched every second of it.

I don't buy the story that some people try to force on us that they priced themselves too high.

openwheelguy - 27 May 2008 03:21 PM

panthercity - 11 May 2008 12:55 PM

k31871 - 18 April 2008 07:50 AM

It's not just Europe... it's EVERYWHERE except the U.S. & Canada! NASCRAP has monopolized U.S. Motorsports for WAY too long!If WRC is given a good reliable TV outlet, & good marketing to back it up (like the NASCRAP machine) it'll rapidly grow & prosper.

Then why have WRC's owners, the FIA, not promoted and marketed it in the US like the France Family has done for NASCAR?

The FIA does not own the WRC, they are the sanctioning body.

When Speed used to show WRC, I watched every second of it.

I don't buy the story that some people try to force on us that they priced themselves too high.

This came not only from sources in Speed, but sources in at least one other network bidding on WRC, and one from Europe. That year, Eurosport almost didn't pick it up the cost was so high.

ventured - 27 May 2008 04:12 PM

This came not only from sources in Speed, but sources in at least one other network bidding on WRC, and one from Europe. That year, Eurosport almost didn't pick it up the cost was so high.

Still find that hard to believe. Any articles I can read about this?