In an era where mainstream media habitually overlooks harness racing in its day-to-day publications, two news outlets in New York State routinely include harness racing news in their sports pages and continue to promote the sport despite their counterparts’ failure to do so.
The coverage given to the action at the track by the ‘Batavia Daily News’ and ‘The Batavian’ is why the upstate New York chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association will be presenting them with the 2019 President’s Award.
The Batavia Daily News is a print newspaper that was founded in 1878 and has been in operation ever since. Its circulation goes well beyond the confines of the City of Batavia and Genesee County, into several surrounding counties and also include Buffalo and Rochester. Additionally, the paper has a strong online presence (thedailynewsonline.com) to go along with its daily print publication and both cover Batavia and Genesee County in depth.
The Batavian (thebatavian.com) is an online news outlet that was launched in 2008. It is the first local, online-only news source for the City of Batavia and Genesee County. It has become one of Genesee County's most popular internet news sites, and provides local residents with news and information based mainly around Genesee County. The outlet has a reputation of showing up at every major event in the city and posting timely, first-hand reports and videos.
Standardbreds set to leave the gate at Batavia Downs.
"Both of these outlets have provided outstanding coverage to harness racing at Batavia Downs over the years, but in 2019 gave unprecedented week-long coverage to the $1.8 million New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions that were held at Batavia Downs,” said Tim Bojarski, president of UNY USHWA. Bojarski went on to state that the Night of Champions “produced record numbers for the track, as well as noticeably increased revenue for the city itself that weekend by visiting participants."
Bojarski went on to state that both publications do an outstanding job for the community, in general, and the sport, in particular. “The coverage provided to harness racing by these fine news sources sets a standard that outlets in other cities should well take note of," said Bojarski.
The Batavia Daily News and The Batavian will be presented their awards in the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Dec. 14). Post time for the first race will be at 6 p.m.
(With files from USHWA)