A shake-up at the top of Fox’s Speed Channel is the latest TV shock for NASCAR, and Fox’s decision to let Jim Liberatore go as head of the cable channel leaves considerable uncertainty about just what’s going on. Liberatore has been running Speed Channel, based in Charlotte, since Fox bought it four years ago. He cites “a difference in philosophies” for his departure. According to one source, Liberatore wanted to diversify Speed Channel again, to include a good mix of all racing. It has become predominantly NASCAR-oriented. There are also reports that the Speed Channel ‘s NASCAR Nation show will soon be dramatically revamped, in light of generally poor ratings. The show is likely to be cut from an hour to 30 minutes, and its focus is to change from hard racing reports to more soft entertainment features.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-3-2005)
MORE If speed doesn’t sell on Speed, then maybe sex will. What else is there to make of the news from the cable channel that Leeann Tweeden, a one-time spokesman/lingerie model for Frederick’s of Hollywood, a layout model in Playboy, a Hooters calendar girl, and cover girl for men’s magazine FHM, could be replacing Krista Voda, a veteran sports reporter, on its NASCAR shows?(Winston Salem Journal)(5-7-2005)
UPDATE: been told that NASCAR Nation will go to a 30 minute [instead of the current 60 minute] show the last week in June. Krista Voda will be leaving the show to take a job in Pittsburgh, PA, no replacement yet named and not sure when she is leaving. The show will concentrate more on the pop culture and drop the news segment [my favorite part]. The Beyond the Wheel segment will become its own shown and air on Thursday night.(5-10-2005)
UPDATE 2: from a Speed Channel interview with new VP of Studio Production Chris Long
SPEED: Any specific changes to the NASCAR Nation format you are ready to announce?
LONG: It will drop from an hour to a half hour beginning June 27 because it will no longer have a news element. The show’s hosts will change. Krista Voda made the decision before I arrived to move to Pittsburgh and continue her career with Fox Sports Net in that area. Ralph Sheheen will return to Speed News. New hires are pending. I am still looking at tapes. The show’s graphics and set will change. I’m looking for more of a nighttime feel. Later in the interview it was mentioned: We may add a weekday edition of SPEED News. See full article/interview at Speed Channel site: New Speed Channel VP of Studio Production Wastes No Time Getting to Work.(5-13-2005)
UPDATE 3 – from leeanntweeden.com:…..”I am going to be hosting my own show again on the SPEED CHANNEL! It’s called “NASCAR Nation”, and our first airdate is June 27th! As many of you know, I grew up around stock car racing, and am very excited to have this opportunity come my way!!!! Most of my time this month has been occupied with making myself bi-coastal again! Yes, I have to move to the Charlotte, NC area for this show. Relocating has pretty much consumed most of my time this month…But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean I am leaving “The Best Damn Sports Show Period” by any means…I will still be doing my weekly “Insider” on the show, as well as some remotes when my schedule allows.(5-13-2005)
