Wimbledon

[pilamenon]

Of all the sports broadcast on both TV and radio, is tennis the hardest for radio commentators? I'd have thought so, if they aspire to uphold the "Test Match Special" tradition of describing every ball in the match being broadcast. That's probably not really feasible at Wimbledon, but a good attempt can be made -- for example, Ian Carter on Radio 5 live, always very impressive IMV. But I'm a bit concerned about what seems to be the de rigeur presence in the commentary box of players of the recent past. Do they really add all that much to the expertise of the professional broadcasters? Often I feel there's far too much cosy "chit-chat" among those in the commentary team: they're chums talking to one another, rather than guides helping the listeners.

From my point of view, 5L commentary on most sporting events is usually vastly superior to that on TV. I've been listening to Wimbledon this week, and some of the discussions have been absolutely fascinating, far more detailed and insightful than you would ever get on the box, and with a good dollop of relaxed humour. The TV coverage also involves incessant cutting to the players' coaches, boyfriends, girlfriends and other hangers-on in the crowd. So another reason I prefer radio commentary on sport is the absence of all these directorial intrusions.

[salymap]

Didn't they used to be 'big' in kipper fillets

No Scots Guards and now whisky business

[mercia]

have you seen this new BBC interactive video player that lets you pause and rewind live action [should you wish to ]
doubtless you can already do that

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/

[Nick Armstrong]

The BBC schedulers must hate the roof and lights on Centre court...

In the old days, they could be pretty confident that even the longest match would be over by 8.30 - 9pm even on the brightest summer evening...

Now, anything could happen - they've already junked the BBC1 film (no doubt allowed for in scheduling an old one) but if this Murray v Baghdatis encounter goes beyond 9pm - do they junk Casualty or the new flagship Richard II on BBC2 / BBC HD ?

[mercia]

The BBC schedulers must hate the roof and lights on Centre court...

didn't they know that the roof and lights were there ?

EDIT - I have the sound turned down - who is the man in the bow-tie and gold-braid in the crowd? - the president of Baghdatis-land ?
The camera lingered on him, I thought he must be important

[Nick Armstrong]

didn't they know that the roof and lights were there ?

EDIT - I have the sound turned down - who is the man in the bow-tie and gold-braid in the crowd? - the president of Baghdatis-land ?

Yes, but my point is they must think fondly back to former years when their evening schedules were safe.

As there is no play tomorrow, I imagine Wimbledon want to finish this Murray match today - it could go on till midnight!

Haven't spotted the cove in the bow-tie...

[Extended Play]

it could go on till midnight!

..

I think the R5 Live commentary a little earlier said that play is not allowed to continue beyond 11pm. Apologies if I misheard. Can't help with the bow-tie.

[Lateralthinking1]

have you seen this new BBC interactive video player that lets you pause and rewind live action [should you wish to ]
doubtless you can already do that
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/

I hadn't realised, no. Thanks mercia.

[Nick Armstrong]

I think the R5 Live commentary a little earlier said that play is not allowed to continue beyond 11pm. Apologies if I misheard.

You're quite right.... Makes sense, I suppose, being in a residential area, and for transport reasons.

[Northender]

Richard II is going ahead as scheduled (I'm recording it). The real Casualty is the BBC1 schedule.

[Nick Armstrong]

Richard II is going ahead as scheduled (I'm recording it).

Ditto - see thread just started Do append thy views once thou hast watch'd.

[mangerton]

[COLOR="#0000FF"]The BBC schedulers must hate the roof and lights on Centre court...

They don't have to show it. What other sport gets this kind of coverage? The BBC should remember it has responsibilities to licence payers who don't like tennis.

And as someone here pointed out recently, what about the red button which they keep ramming down our throats?

[AmpH]

I think the R5 Live commentary a little earlier said that play is not allowed to continue beyond 11pm. Apologies if I misheard. Can't help with the bow-tie.

The 11pm thing is something to do with Merton Council apparently....they've tried calling them to see if it can be extended, but there's no one in until Monday

[Nick Armstrong]

The 11pm thing is something to do with Merton Council apparently....they've tried calling them to see if it can be extended, but there's no one in until Monday

[pilamenon]

Play should stop at dusk.