Pacy What A Shout should prove a hit
How What A Should could a attract a new, younger audience to racing
Many in the horse racing world are connected by DNA. Family connections allows them to be put into a great position to begin interest in the sport. However, everyone still knows the importance of actively introducing the sport to new audiences of all demographics. The concern of reducing numbers of younger generations can seem a daunting future to the sport we all love.
This is where the Racing Post’s new weekly 30-minute magazine show, What A Shout can have some influence. Presented by the Post’s Dave Orton and former apprentice jockey and X Factor boy band Union J member JJ Hamblett, with the fourth episode featuring guests Post tipster Paul Kealy and former JUMP jockey Wayne Hutchinson. It fills a gap on the media platform that has had lack of attention by horse racing.
Firstly, where the show is published via social media helps any young enthusiasts to have easier access with its availability on mobile devices to watch on the move at any time. YouTube a key platform which I think that will have potentially an important influence in engaging new audiences.
Enthusiasm and engagement
A compact studio helps to keep the focus on the sport, and subjects discussed between the four flow brilliantly to maintain the enthusiasm and engagement. An eye-catching name, theme tune and logo which is unique that stands out and again reinforces a new target audience perhaps?
If you like puns, then this will be for you. A light-hearted show that’s welcome on a Friday afternoon after a long week and maybe could be a nice broadcast to listen too whilst in the car. (An area of the sport that lacks broadcasting that could be explored I think much more. Maybe a radio station for horse racing?)
Overall a pacey show that covers a little bit of everything with previews of the important races as well as new issues and stories in the racing world.
It’s link with “Up The Ante” with Gavin Lynch and David Jennings is a unique feature called the “Big Call”. This pinpoints a fascinating debate and questions the audience by initiating an intriguing argument for listeners to make their personal judgement.
Maintains the pace
The links between subjects helps maintain the pace that suits when it is published on a Friday when time is limited before the big races. A helpful graphic is the order of events of the show that presents the current topic and the next section of the broadcast that gives the flow to the show. Another modern feature is the betting on the bottom right of the previews that adds the informative nature of the show.
The Irish Angle on the fourth episode surprised me and opens a new subject to viewers which is compelling to watch. Likewise, the Big Call feature with Wayne Hutchinson’s view.
An informative, light-hearted and reflective show that helps to appreciate contrasting views and makes you question each issue.
Hopefully What A Shout can have a positive impact in engaging new audiences to the Sport of Kings.
