I Called It!

The big news that Magna is selling a 50% interest in HRTV to CDI came as no surprise to readers of TBA content.

I think a workable model would be for a consortium of race tracks, or even the NTRA, to own racing channels. That may be what we're seeing with HRTV. If Magna sells a 50% interest in HRTV to CDI, then shuts out TVG, maybe then another industry group can buy TVG at fire sale prices. The signal needs to be valued first. TVG is the cart, and it needs to go behind the horse. [Tote Board Brad commenting on Pulling Hair, 1st comment, 2/26/2007]

The industry is taking the logical steps to keep the money in the family, and I only expect it to continue. How long before Gemstar divests of TVG as it is boxed out of content? Gemstar's great advantage is it's relationship with Fox (who owns ~30% last I checked) and with cable and satellite providers. However, the profits end up in the wallets of fat cat media moguls instead of fat cat horse racing magnates. As we all know, media moguls then give that money to presidential candidates, whereas racing magnates blow it on more horses.