BBC executives held a meeting this week to determine the future of their football output.
It took place on Thursday, days after Samir Shah, the corporation’s chairman, stated that Match of the Day “should not be built around highlights”, pointing to a future with a greater focus on analysis rather than match clips.
Per the Mirror, director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski led the meeting, of which Match of the Day wasn’t the sole focus. However, the flagship programme is set for further changes after Gary Lineker is replaced as host by the trio of Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan at the end of the season.
Match of the Day remains very popular, and any substantial changes to its format could be resisted. In contrast, the BBC’s new, more discussion-based Champions League highlights show has been well-received.
In addition to television, the broadcaster provides award-winning radio coverage of football, popular podcasts, news, and interviews across its channels, including one of the world’s most widely read websites.
Shah made his intention clear in an interview with the Times. He argued that with fans now having access to match highlights far sooner after full-time, Match of the Day should offer something more than it currently does.
(Image: BBC)
“It should be built around analysis and examination of the match to give viewers a deeper insight,” he insisted. Lineker alluded to the change of direction after announcing his exit.
“I feel this is now the right time,” Lineker said of his decision. “I think [with] the next [highlights] contract, they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”
The Beeb are set to place an increased emphasis on digital output relating to Match of the Day, with The One Show host Roman Kemp reportedly lined up to front that. It remains to be seen what that could look like, but it’s believed highlights will be shared online before Match of the Day airs in its late timeslot.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
