List of Indianapolis 500 broadcasters
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Contents |
[edit] Full list of television broadcasters
- Expected announcer, subject to change.
[edit] Notes
[edit] 1940s-1950s
The Indianapolis 500 was first broadcasted on television from 1949-1950 on WFBM (now WRTV) in Indianapolis.
[edit] 1960s-1970s
From 1964-1970, the Indianapolis 500 was shown live on closed-circuit television in theatres and other similar venues across the United States. All live closed circuit broadcasts were anchored by Charlie Brockman.
From 1965-1970, ABC televised a combination of filmed or taped recorded highlights of the race the following Saturday on Wide World of Sports.
[edit] 1970s-1980s
From 1971 to 1985, the Indianapolis 500 was shown on a same-day tape delay basis. Races were edited to a two or three hour broadcast, and shown in prime time. It was also blacked out in the Indianapolis market.
Starting in 1986, the race was shown for the first time live flag-to-flag coverage. The 1986 race, however, was delayed/postponed for six days due to rain.
[edit] 1990s-2000s
From 1995 to 2006, live coverage of the Indianapolis 500 was seen on ABC's Wide World of Sports.
In 2007, the race was televised as an ESPN on ABC event, under the new policies enacted September 1, 2006 by the Walt Disney Company. Also for the 2007 race, Rusty Wallace and Jamie Little were Indianapolis 500-only broadcasters, and would not work the other IndyCar Series races.
[edit] Radio coverage history
From 1939-1951, Mutual covered the Indianapolis 500 with live segments at the start, the finish, and live updates throughout the race. After losing its sponsor, Perfect Circle Piston Rings, Mutual did not return. In 1952, the Speedway took radio broadcasting rights in-house, utilizing talent mostly from WIBC. Starting in 1953, the talent pool was extended to all stations in the area, and expanded to featured the first live flag-to-flag coverage.
Through 1985, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network was the exclusive provider of live coverage of the Indianapolis 500. With the exception of MCA's closed-circuit television broadcasts from 1964-1970, there was no live television of the race until 1986.
[edit] References
- ^ Race was scheduled for Sunday May 25, but rain postponed the start until Monday May 26. After 15 laps were completed, rain resumed, and the conclusion of the race was held Tuesday May 27.
- ^ Race was scheduled for Sunday May 25, but rain postponed the race until Monday. On Monday, rain continued, and the race was rescheduled and held Saturday May 31.
