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Original poster

BBC Athletics commentary is dire because.......

111 replies

Pipsquiggle · 02/08/2024 19:07

Of the crowd noise!

Trying to hear Gabby, Denise, Jess & Michael but it sounds like they are in the crowd - lots of clapping and cheering, you can't hear them speak.

The sound department need to sort this out ASAP. It's really ruining the programme.

OP posts:
BobnLen · 04/08/2024 21:01

The Olympics only has a week to run so just sign up for the free week of Discovery and watch on Eurosport

notimagain · 04/08/2024 20:57

Pipsquiggle · 04/08/2024 20:15

Just seen Keely win her 800m semi-final. I couldn't hear what they were saying after.
It's ridiculous, the slow clapping, then the bursts of shouting/ cheering.
I am assuming all the other TV companies in the stadium are suffering the same noise issues.

Personally, I would cancel the stadium studio and use the one near the Eiffel tower

It's ridiculous, the slow clapping, then the bursts of shouting/ cheering.
I am assuming all the other TV companies in the stadium are suffering the same noise issues.

We’re watching from France (it’s on multiple domestic channels at times) and so far at least we’re not getting the sort of sound problems you and other posters have described, either during races or during post race interviews.

Can’t get BBC where we are so sadly cannot do a direct compare and contrast.

FinalInstructionstotheAudience · 04/08/2024 20:46

Hatty65 · 02/08/2024 19:48

It is terrible, and I just said that to DH, but I've had more of an issue with seeing Fred Sirieux and Matt Baker doing 'commentating' bits of stuff they really know little to nothing about.

I would be fuming if I was a sports commentator with the BBC and folks like this with no background in sport landed a plum job like the Olympics. It's only every four years and I imagine everyone working in Sport would love to be there.

Matt Baker was a gymnast

RaraRachael · 04/08/2024 20:44

@bridgetreilly you said they were all no hopers . I took it you meant as commentators

Original poster
Pipsquiggle · 04/08/2024 20:41

bridgetreilly · 04/08/2024 20:27

Steve Cram, Paula Radcliffe, Steve Backley… absolute no-hopers.

I like hearing the crowd. It adds atmosphere. But I can see it’s problematic for people with hearing issues.

So all the 'live commentary' whilst the event is happening, I can hear perfectly clearly - they probably use different microphones, like football commentators.
It's when they cut back to Gabby et al that the 'background' noise is too loud.

OP posts:
GasPanic · 04/08/2024 20:41

I love Michael Johnson. Always seems to have something interesting to say about the running and that must be difficult.

As for the person going on about the underqualified commentators, there are no words.

bridgetreilly · 04/08/2024 20:33

RaraRachael · 04/08/2024 20:32

@bridgetreilly if they're all so hopeless, who would you suggest?

Thanks for ignoring the obvious sarcasm.

RaraRachael · 04/08/2024 20:32

@bridgetreilly if they're all so hopeless, who would you suggest?

bridgetreilly · 04/08/2024 20:27

Steve Cram, Paula Radcliffe, Steve Backley… absolute no-hopers.

I like hearing the crowd. It adds atmosphere. But I can see it’s problematic for people with hearing issues.

Original poster
Pipsquiggle · 04/08/2024 20:16

I am actually thinking of writing to the BBC about this - does anyone know the correct email address?

OP posts:
Original poster
Pipsquiggle · 04/08/2024 20:15

Just seen Keely win her 800m semi-final. I couldn't hear what they were saying after.
It's ridiculous, the slow clapping, then the bursts of shouting/ cheering.
I am assuming all the other TV companies in the stadium are suffering the same noise issues.

Personally, I would cancel the stadium studio and use the one near the Eiffel tower

OP posts:
RaraRachael · 04/08/2024 20:05

This racket behind them is ridiculous

Starseeking · 04/08/2024 19:37

SleepingisanArt · 04/08/2024 18:47

The commentary booths are all open - if they chose to the commentators could climb over a low barrier and interrupt another countries broadcasting. That's why its so noisy.

It's a shame the BBC don't have the rights anymore as now we can only view what they are permitted to show live but that's the way the world is going - pay to view....

Would you be able to explain the purpose of having the commentary booths open like that, please?

I've never seen that at a live broadcasting event with a stadium audience previously, and I can see why they don't usually!

cavernclub · 04/08/2024 19:27

Far too many statements of the bleeding obvious and stuff that is completely meaningless

E.g

"He's just got to run his own race"
"It's going to be really tough"
" they've got to bring their best performance to win a medal"

Well yes, durrrrr!

The best commentators have done deep research on the athletes and can give proper insight, not just statements of the obvious.

hopeishere · 04/08/2024 19:20

Some of the "heartstring" packages - Adam Peaty and Max Whitlock - were too much. Just show the sport.

Matt Baker did compete in gymnastics so I think he's qualified to talk about it.

I bet they try and get Becky doing something like The One Show.

SleepingisanArt · 04/08/2024 18:47

The commentary booths are all open - if they chose to the commentators could climb over a low barrier and interrupt another countries broadcasting. That's why its so noisy.

It's a shame the BBC don't have the rights anymore as now we can only view what they are permitted to show live but that's the way the world is going - pay to view....

GoldOnyx · 04/08/2024 18:38

zeibesaffron · 04/08/2024 17:30

Probably going against the grain here - but I am loving it. Loving the sport, the atmosphere, the crowd noises! I think the commentators are great especially the swimming and athletics! 😀😀

Granted I only watch it in the evening - but the sport has been exceptional- even found myself watching the golf today!!

Yes agree - I especially love the swimming punditry! I think Clare Balding, Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster pitch their conversations perfectly, so I always find what they have to say engaging. And their rapport has a lovely, wholesome vibe.

GoldOnyx · 04/08/2024 18:35

Davros · 04/08/2024 18:28

Maybe the BBC and others don't get much priority or support, Discovery+ is the official broadcaster. Apart from the commentators who have valid backgrounds, I think they try people out and find out who does a good job. That Mika bloke who is on the football a lot is a good example. I don't remember him as a footballer but he's brilliant value in the studio

I agree - he’s an excellent pundit.

GoldOnyx · 04/08/2024 18:35

VeronicaBeccabunga · 02/08/2024 19:38

I was wondering how much you get paid if you're some has-been who once won a bronze in a very niche event and now qualify to be a pundit.
Who are these people and how do they find them? Perhaps they're just pleased to be noticed and get a freebee after all this time in obscurity.

That’s really harsh. I’m sure they were tested/interviewed for their suitability for commentating and they all seem pretty good and have a good rapport with each other.

And on your point about them being irrelevant and unimportant because they once won a low-ranking medal in a niche event (which is a pretty big assumption to make…), for them to have even got to the Olympics - let alone to win a medal - is an incredible achievement.

At the risk of being sarky, I don’t think you have the right to judge them until the day when you qualify for your first Olympics and win your first medal. And then, by all means, have an opinion.

Davros · 04/08/2024 18:28

Maybe the BBC and others don't get much priority or support, Discovery+ is the official broadcaster. Apart from the commentators who have valid backgrounds, I think they try people out and find out who does a good job. That Mika bloke who is on the football a lot is a good example. I don't remember him as a footballer but he's brilliant value in the studio

RaraRachael · 04/08/2024 18:11

I wish they wouldn't do interviews with the athletes just after they've finished a race - especially if they've had a disappointing result.

I find them really cringey. Same questions every time.

lemonyellows · 04/08/2024 17:47

The main issue is that they talk too much in the studio and don't show the live coverage. It is infuriating.

Discovery plus for the win!

zeibesaffron · 04/08/2024 17:30

Probably going against the grain here - but I am loving it. Loving the sport, the atmosphere, the crowd noises! I think the commentators are great especially the swimming and athletics! 😀😀

Granted I only watch it in the evening - but the sport has been exceptional- even found myself watching the golf today!!

RaraRachael · 04/08/2024 16:56

I love listening to Andrew Cotter too!

Turophilic · 04/08/2024 16:24

They are all unacceptable because they are not Andrew Cotter (of Olive and Mabel fame alongside his more conventional commentating career) and they are taking up airtime that could usefully be given to him instead of themselves.

I want Andrew Cotter to commentate on absolutely everything always.

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