NBC Vows to Get Better: NBC wants NASCAR fans to know it is listening, and not just to the Nielsen folks who said Saturday’s broadcast of the Pepsi 400 was the highest-rated prime time Winston Cup race in history. The numbers notwithstanding — NBC’s own figures estimate 25-million people tuned in to at least part of the race, and it garnered a 6.1 national rating — the network is well aware the first broadcast under its six-year deal with NASCAR didn’t impress the media or, for the most part, the fans. The first two complaints might resolve themselves Sunday. NBC dug itself a hole by going without a commercial for the first 20 minutes of the race, then threw in more ads later in an effort to catch up. That meant fans didn’t get to see many pit stops, which are especially key late in the race. “Some people have said it was lacking,” Benny Parsons said Thursday. “If that is a fact, we need to work together. I think the talent is there.” Communications director Kevin Sullivan said NBC will be placing more of an emphasis on its pit reporters — a smart move, because they clearly are the strength of the broadcast team. Lead pit reporter Bill Weber will have an increased role. (St Petersburg Times)(7-13-2001)
