WE ALL know that the BBC will blow our socks off with their coverage of the Olympic Games this summer. It will be the Beeb at its very best.
But it saddens me that they no longer seem to be competing to broadcast some of British sport’s hardy annuals.
News this week that the Grand National and the rest of BBC’s diminishing racing portfolio is to migrate to Channel Four is further evidence of this decline.
When I worked at BBC Television, the Grand National was one of the events that made the Corporation stand out from the rest.
Its coverage benefited from world-class presenters and commentators, brilliantly creative directors, and vastly experienced production staff and technical crews.
It captured the drama of the race quite wonderfully. And has done for over 60 years.
I’ve no gripes with Channel Four.
Their Cheltenham Festival programmes caught the mood superbly and they will no doubt do the Grand National proud.
I’m just sorry that my old employers couldn’t stump up the cash to stay at the races.
