NBC’s Coverage Of Kentucky Derby Could Conflict With NHL

NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby begins at 4:30pm ET Saturday, but with Sharks-Red Wings Game Five beginning at 2:00pm, there is a “possibility hockey could conflict with some of NBC’s Derby coverage,” according to Larry Stewart of the L.A. TIMES. The net is “working on some contingency plans in case that happens.” Stewart notes the one-hour documentary “Barbaro: A Nation’s Horse,” which was scheduled to air April 29 at 5:00pm but was bumped by the double-overtime Sabres-Rangers Game Three, will air Saturday at 8:00pm (L.A. TIMES, 5/4). In San Diego, Jay Posner writes that if the hockey game runs over, “expect [NBC] to switch the game to one of its cable channels rather than pre-empt coverage of the Derby” (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 5/4).

LIFE THROUGH A LENS: NBC is using 35 cameras to cover the race, but Dir David Michaels said, “Until the day comes when a camera can go around the track with the pack, there’s really nothing new that can capture the action.” He added NBC and other nets have tried “a lot of things, everything from cameras on jockeys to tracking cameras on cars,” but there is “nothing that’s better than the traditional [shot].” Meanwhile, with NBC airing a 30-minute red-carpet show at Churchill Downs, Michaels said, “It won’t be a Versace-type show. But it will be about all the celebrities at the race, and their picks” (BOSTON GLOBE, 5/4). NBC Sports Coordinating Producer Sam Flood said of covering the Barbaro angle, “There will clearly be references weaved through the broadcast ... but not at the expense of the horses running in the race” (Baltimore SUN, 5/4).

NBC To Utilize 35 Cameras In Kentucky Derby Coverage

OTHER COVERAGE: HRTV is broadcasting its “Target Louisville” show live from Churchill Downs this week. HRTV Exec VP/GM Jim Bates said, “Our coverage is akin to ESPN’s lead-in to the Super Bowl.” Meanwhile, ESPN is airing 23-hours of Derby-related coverage, including content on “SportsCenter” and ESPNRadio.com (CABLEFAX DAILY, 5/4).

LET IT RIDE: NBC Sports and Churchill Downs have teamed to present The Kentucky Derby Lucky U Game, in which fans can vote on the winner of the race. The winning entry will receive $10,000 and a VIP Experience for the ’08 Derby that includes tickets to the race and other events at the track, round-trip transportation and accommodations. Fans can enter by going to either NBCSports.com or KentuckyDerby.com, as well as texting their winning pick....NBC’s “Today” show featured a two–minute story by Kevin Tibbles on Queen Elizabeth II attending this year’s Derby. The segment concluded with a screen promoting NBC’s coverage of the event beginning Saturday (THE DAILY).