The National Turf Writers and Broadcasters board of directors shared a letter sent to the executive leadership at FanDuel and Flutter Entertainment, expressing concerns regarding the decision to phase out FanDuel TV.
Ms. Howe, Mr. Genetski, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Corcoran, and Mr. Shiffman,
On behalf of the board of directors of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters—an organization that advocates on behalf of journalists covering horse racing—we write to express our deep disappointment regarding the decision to phase out FanDuel TV and wind down your racing broadcast coverage.
We fully recognize that Flutter Entertainment and FanDuel, like any business, must make decisions aligned with their long-term strategy and financial priorities. However, the impact of this decision extends well beyond a balance sheet. It affects more than 170 employees—some of them our colleagues and members—talented broadcasters and contributors to FanDuel TV such as Matt Bernier, Andie Biancone, Christina Blacker, Caton Bredar, Simon Bray, Matt Carothers, Larry Collmus, Scott Hazelton, Nick Hines, Joaquin Jaime, Peter Lurie, and Anthony Pascale, who have brought passion, credibility, and excellence to equine journalism.
As you know, many others—producers, camera operators, and other behind-the-scenes professionals—also play vital roles in telling FanDuel TV's stories. Their loss of employment is equally troubling.
We commend FanDuel TV for its long-standing commitment to horse racing coverage. For more than two decades, from its origins as TVG through its rebrand as FanDuel TV, the network has brought racing into millions of homes, introduced new audiences to the sport, and delivered consistent, informed coverage.
That legacy makes this decision to phase out the network all the more difficult to accept. Without FanDuel TV's presence, horse racing risks becoming less visible and less accessible to the public.
Should there be a viable path to reconsider this decision, we urge FanDuel and Flutter Entertainment leadership to explore it. We also encourage consideration of a sale of the network to an entity willing to continue regular operations. The infrastructure, audience, and brand equity built over decades represent valuable assets.
Respectfully,
Byron King
President, National Turf Writers and Broadcasters
On behalf of the board of directors for the NTWAB
Warm Memories
This is my favorite time of the year in horse racing, with all of the Kentucky Derby prep races on Easter weekend.
I enjoy watching these races because it brings back a lot of memories for me, as I used to hot walk horses for the late great Mr. D. Wayne Lukas. I was part of many big races when I hot walked.
With Easter weekend here, I am very grateful for the hot walkers that taught me to help take care of the majestic horses.
I am proud of the hot walkers that will be involved in the Kentucky Derby prep races because I am still amazed that I was once a hot walker and learned so much.
That is why it is my favorite time of the year.
Michael Fenrich
Malverne, N.Y.
