The BBC has announced that Football Focus will air its final episode this summer, ending a 52-year run as a Saturday lunchtime staple. The decision, described as the result of “extensive consideration,” reflects changing audience habits in an era dominated by digital clips and livestreams.
BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski denied that cost-cutting was behind the move, despite the corporation planning to cut one in ten jobs over the next two years. He said the decision was made before last week’s wider savings announcement and was driven by a shift in how fans engage with football.
Presenter Alex Scott, who currently hosts the show, said in an Instagram video that it was “the right time” for the programme to end, but admitted she had felt anxiety over the expected social media backlash. Kay-Jelski confirmed Scott will remain a “big part” of BBC Sport, with roles at the Women’s World Cup and Sports Personality of the Year.
Football Focus will be replaced in the TV schedule by The Football Interview, a series hosted by Kelly Somers, while Final Score with Jason Mohammad will start earlier at 3.45pm on Saturdays. The BBC also plans to increase digital content, including new shows for YouTube.
Former host Bob Wilson criticised the decision, calling it “crazy” to replace the show with an interview programme. The first episode of Football Focus aired in 1974 with Wilson as host, offering a mix of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage that is now widely available online.
