USTA doles out $125,000 for broadcast funding

Columbus, OH — When the U.S. Trotting Association Board of Directors annual meeting concluded last weekend, based upon a recommendation of the Broadcast Committee, $125,000 was budgeted to assist the 14 broadcast funding requests made to the USTA from racetracks, harness racing horsemen’s associations and internet media entities.

In addition to the $105,000 allotted for the individual requests, another $20,000 was budgeted in case there might be any requests submitted to the Broadcast Committee later in the year.

The funding will support coverage on national broadcast television, local broadcast media, livestream broadcasts and podcasts.

On Feb. 3, the USTA invited member racetracks and horsemen’s organizations to apply for broadcast funding that would be made available in the Association’s 2023 budget. Funds are intended for the use on television, radio, or online production of major harness racing races and events.

Following is a breakdown of the funding approved by the Board.

Meadowlands: $25,000
Hoosier Park: $25,000
In The Money Media (multiple races): $8,500
Post Time with Heather Vitale: $5,000
Little Brown Jug: $5,000
The Meadows and Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (Adios): $5,000 ($2,500 each)
Indiana Standardbred Breeders Association: $5,000
Iowa Harness Horsemen’s Association: $5,000
Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association: $5,000
Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association: $5,000
Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association: $5,000
Yonkers Raceway: $5,000
North American Harness Update: $1,500

From the USTA