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Kartman
July 16th, 2009, 11:57
http://wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=5515&desc=High-definition%20WRC%20coverage%20coming%20to%20Americ a

15/7/09
High-definition WRC coverage coming to America

Television coverage of the FIA World Rally Championship will be available to millions of households in the USA later this year thanks to a new partnership between series promoters, ISC, and the Discovery Channel's HD Theater network.

WRC programming will be shown weekly on HD Theater starting in October. As well as coverage from every round of the championship, a range of other features and news bulletins will be shown.

Part of the Discovery Channel's range of networks, HD Theater is one of the most widely distributed high-definition services available in the United States. Specialising in adventure, technology, nature and world culture programming, HD Theater also covers a number of racing events, all of which are shown in a 1080i picture format and with 5.1 digital surround sound.

“This is tremendous news for the championship and our fans in the United States," said Simon Long, ISC CEO. "It is a ground breaking deal which means the WRC has a high-profile broadcast presence in the United States via a hugely-respected, quality and innovative partner in Discovery Communication’s HD Theater,”

“We’re looking forward to the opportunity to take the WRC to an ever wider audience in the significant U.S. market, and working with HD Theater to bring more attention to what we firmly believe is an ‘epic motorsport adventure by the world’s greatest drivers,’” he added.

Clark Bunting, president and general manager of HD Theater, said: "HD Theater has been a pioneer in high-definition programming and we are excited to introduce the FIA World Rally Championships to our American audience. This year we’ve seen the action go from the snow-covered roads of Norway to the hairpin turns climbing the Cordobese Sierras of Argentina, and the adrenaline-fuelled rally action will shine in high-definition."

Mike @ pit b
July 16th, 2009, 12:31
Well it's about damn time!

Score 44
July 16th, 2009, 15:08
Well it's about damn time!

ˇǝɯıʇ uɯɐp ʇnoqɐ s,ʇı llǝʍ

For real.............................................. ...........................

Tipracer
July 16th, 2009, 16:00
WHoo hoo!!!

DSRacing
July 16th, 2009, 16:25
I'm glad someone is stepping up and providing coverage. Hopefully this TV package will be the first step in drawing back some of the manufacturers into WRC again.

D4D
July 16th, 2009, 16:46
WRC airing in the US is not going to lead to any manufactures getting back in. Sure there is additional exposure but the US does not have a large fan base for rally, it is way to small.

I am glad the WRC is coming back to out TVs but I am a little concerned about where it is airing. I prey, prey that they just re-air the FIA shows without adding any US staff or talent.

DSRacing
July 16th, 2009, 18:30
WRC airing in the US is not going to lead to any manufactures getting back in. Sure there is additional exposure but the US does not have a large fan base for rally, it is way to small.

Where in my post did I say the U.S. TV package will bring back the car makers? I said "first step." The WRC has not had decent TV exposure for a couple of years. If the WRC is making a concerted effort to reverse that trend (worldwide) then would that not open up opportunities for sponsers and the manufacturers to return.

Granted, the economy put many of the race programs on hold but many of the teams were grumbling about a lack of exposure long before the economy took a dump.

With only two factory efforts currently running, the WRC could be viewed as a dying fish flopping on the side of a riverbed. A good media program can only help them return to the success they were having not too long ago.

dirtyimpreza
July 27th, 2009, 13:17
This is awesome news! Looks like i have to make some friends with some people that have Discovery HD Theater...

pdailey
July 27th, 2009, 13:28
Thank goodness. I love WRC.

CharlieIII
July 28th, 2009, 11:51
Thank goodness. I love WRC.

I agree with you, finally !!!!. Thanks Durka for the heads up.

07FJRog
July 28th, 2009, 11:54
Well it's about damn time!

No Kidding, I love WRC