The BBC has denied plans to scrap local radio coverage of Norwich City away games, following backlash from ITV presenters Ed Balls and Mark Pougatch.
A report from the Norwich Evening News claimed that BBC bosses were planning to axe radio coverage of Norwich away games, meaning commentator Chris Goreham would only attend home games. The report suggested Norwich City fans would have to rely on commentary provided by the home team's local BBC radio station in an attempt to save millions of pounds over the next two years.
High-profile backlash
ITV presenter Mark Pougatch branded the rumours 'an absolute disgrace' if they were true. Taking to social media, Pougatch said: "I am proud to say I started my career in local radio. This would be an absolute disgrace if true. Where do I sign the petition? Local football coverage is EXACTLY the sort of thing the BBC should do. No one else will!"
Former Cabinet Minister and Good Morning Britain presenter Ed Balls also weighed in, saying: "This can’t be true - and it’s not even April 1st - @CGoreham commentaries are peerless and relied upon by #ncfc fans around the world - and they are a hugely valued public service for many Norfolk based fans who can’t go to games - they are what the @bbc should be all about…"
Former TNT Sports presenter and Norwich City fan Jake Humphreys added: "This is literally what the BBC SHOULD be doing. The BBC are there for public service broadcasting. Thats exactly what this is… I hope this is an ill-founded bit of intel."
BBC statement
In a statement, the BBC said: "This is not true. Home and away game commentary, analysis and coverage will continue at BBC Radio Norfolk. We are looking at ways to reduce duplication and showcase more of our Local commentary teams across the BBC, but no decisions have been made. Any updates will be announced in due course."
A BBC insider denied that any changes are being made to local radio coverage. At present, BBC Radio Norfolk sends Goreham and Rob Butler to games, accompanied by a former Canary who lives locally to the game.
Broader cost-cutting context
The BBC has already axed shows like Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind and Live At The Apollo as the broadcaster makes "really tough choices" to save £500million over the next three years. Bosses announced in June that they would be cutting 550 roles and decommissioning shows.
It emerged earlier this week that the broadcaster is set to end coverage of the World Indoor Bowls Championship as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures, having shown it every year since the competition's inception in 1979. The Boat Race has also moved away from the BBC to Channel Four, while the Rugby League World Cup has gone back behind a paywall for the first time since 2017 and will now be shown on Premier Sports.
