Comcast to Launch HRTV

HorseRacing TV announced Thursday that it signed a multiyear agreement with Comcast Corp. that will provide HRTV with digital-sports-tier carriage on select Comcast systems. 

Under the agreement, HRTV -- currently available to 12 million households -- will initially launch on Comcast systems in Maryland and Southern California, according to network executives. The agreement also creates a framework for potential future HRTV launches on additional Comcast systems.

“We’re pleased that Comcast has recognized the value HRTV brings to their programming lineup,” HRTV president Bill Bridgen said in a prepared statement. “We are delighted that Comcast cable systems will now be able to offer HRTV’s exciting daily coverage of live horse racing to Comcast’s cable customers.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.