10 replies to this topic

[steve56]

I know it's very early days but i was just wondering if these BBC cuts will affect commentary on a Sunday afternoon.
I ask this because looking on the York City forums the fans there reckon it could be the end for coverage of the football,especially for away games.It has been stated in the news that local radio will be hit hard and the stations might have a joint program at various times in the day.

[andyacko]

No idea of the ongoing situation since the latest cutback announcement but I did attend a BBC Radio York Sport meeting prior to the kickoff of City's soccer season and, at that time, the station were absolutely firmly committed to continued commentary coverage of the local sides.
I would hope that coverage would be unaffected, as, personal involvement aside, it looks as though the general financial climate is set to continue for the forseeable future and with fans possibly having less disposal oncome, particularly to travel to away games, then it is a vital avenue to follow the fortunes of the Knights, and the City - I'm a regular listener to Barry and Chris on a Saturday afternoon once I've done my reffing stint..

[Peter G.]

No idea of the ongoing situation since the latest cutback announcement but I did attend a BBC Radio York Sport meeting prior to the kickoff of City's soccer season and, at that time, the station were absolutely firmly committed to continued commentary coverage of the local sides.
I would hope that coverage would be unaffected, as, personal involvement aside, it looks as though the general financial climate is set to continue for the forseeable future and with fans possibly having less disposal oncome, particularly to travel to away games, then it is a vital avenue to follow the fortunes of the Knights, and the City - I'm a regular listener to Barry and Chris on a Saturday afternoon once I've done my reffing stint..

Some good points there Andy, especially the cryptic one re "disposal oncome" which is particularly relevant to older and much older fans. I suspect there are many long in the tooth fans who for various reasons are unable to support the club as much as they did in the past and your away day commentaries would be sorely missed.

Seriously though it would be a mistake if the Beeb were to give you an early bath, your knowledge of the greatest game shines through over the airwaves and you are arguably a latter day Eddie Waring (I'll leave you to work out whether thats an insult or a compliment, its the latter IMO) Mines a pint of best by the way.

ps Hope you are reading this Sharon.

[andyacko]

Thanks Peter, and apologies for the typo.....

[andyacko]

Ah, right.
We have some news - not great..

The proposals from the BBC ( note, not BBC Radio York itself ) are that..

BBC Radio York only cover home games (this isn’t just RL – it’s footy too and it’s EVERY BBC local radio station).
For away games, we take commentary done by their home station, eg. for Dewsbury, we’d look to Radio Leeds.
But most Championship clubs don’t always get coverage, never mind commentary, which would mean we wouldn’t get any commentary of those games.

These proposals (along with the rest of the cuts, and the future of local radio generally) are being put to public consultation. And if you want your say about it we’ve been given this to pass on…

If you would like to tell us what you think about BBC Local Radio, the easiest way to do so is using our online consultation which you can find at

bbc.co.uk/bbctrust.

There are eight questions - you can answer as many or as few as you wish. The consultation runs until 21 December 2011.

Please send your response by email to: local.radio.review@bbc.co.uk

Sharon has been speaking about it tonight on the Southport v City broadcast..

Also note that on Thursday morning in the Big Conversation programme, Managing Editor Sarah Drummond will be taking questions and opinions on the proposed cutbacks and possible outcomes.

Personal input aside, BBC Radio York does a fantastic job of covering local sport and this is very much threatened by degrees, so, if you do value the service, let someone know....

[The Bassets Assets]

Some good points there Andy, especially the cryptic one re "disposal oncome" which is particularly relevant to older and much older fans. I suspect there are many long in the tooth fans who for various reasons are unable to support the club as much as they did in the past and your away day commentaries would be sorely missed.

Seriously though it would be a mistake if the Beeb were to give you an early bath, your knowledge of the greatest game shines through over the airwaves and you are arguably a latter day Eddie Waring (I'll leave you to work out whether thats an insult or a compliment, its the latter IMO) Mines a pint of best by the way.

ps Hope you are reading this Sharon.

Hear, hear!! Really do hope that Andy and the team continue with the match commentary, home and away, top stuff always.

[Spanish Knight]

At what times are the sports bulletings on during the week please?.

Edited by Spanish Knight, 23 October 2011 - 07:40 AM.

[andyacko]

It used to be about ten to the hour, John, but it seems to have shuffled round just now - I seem to catch one at about 25 past the hour and there is always one around about 6pm..

[andyacko]

RFL campaign causes BBC to review local radio

The BBC Trust has today announced that it has instructed the BBC to look again at the review of local radio and its original proposals which would have had significant impact on local sports broadcasting.

In his announcement, BBC Trust Chairman Lord Patten gave notice to the impact the proposals would have on Rugby League in particular and instructed the BBC to ensure “ways are found to continue to protect more specialist and distinctive local content out of peak.” He continued, “alongside local news and information, the evening and weekend schedules of many local radio stations carry unique or specialist local content that is of particular value to their audience – for instance sports coverage that has a particular resonance in a particular area such as Rugby League and football.”

Specifically, the BBC Trust asked the BBC to review three key areas:

• To scale back plans for local radio to share programmes in the afternoon;
• To ensure that local stations have "an adequately staffed newsroom"; and
• To protect specialist content outside peak times - for example local sports or specialist music shows.

Taken from the RFL site w/c 23/01/12

Since the BBC put forward its consultation, the RFL led the campaign on behalf of all sports alongside the All Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group to ensure that better solutions could be found. The RFL worked with other sports bodies and fans of Rugby League to respond to the consultation – which resulted in more submissions than ever before; the lion’s share of which came from Rugby League fans.

On hearing the announcement, RFL Chairman Richard Lewis said:

“This is excellent news for fans of all sports and particularly Rugby League which as a community-focused game would have been the worst hit if the BBC’s plans were implemented.

“The sports output from BBC local radio stations is one of the defining qualities of a region and we are encouraged that the BBC Trust have listened to the voice of local people and have decided to re-think their proposals. I want to thank the Members of Parliament in the All Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group and all those that took the time to write to the BBC. The voice of Rugby League fans has obviously made a huge difference.

[firebasher]

Enjoyed your commentary tonight Andy, well done!!

[andyacko]

Thanks Firebasher.
I was worried Fev might completely run away with it which makes it difficult but the Knights lads kept sticking in.
Impressed with Nathan Chappell every time I see him and always good to watch Locky play ( used to watch him play for Shilo )..
Went for Kainy as the 'one to watch' in my programme notes !!!
Good job from Nick Caldwell summarising tonight again.
All the best for the rest of the season.