ITV and the BBC have revealed their studio setups for the upcoming World Cup, sparking debate over production choices. ITV has transported its presenting team and pundits to Brooklyn, New York, where the studio boasts a stunning backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. In contrast, the BBC is broadcasting from Media City in Salford, a decision that has drawn significant criticism.
ITV's New York Studio
ITV officially unveiled its studio during coverage of England’s warm-up match against Costa Rica on Wednesday. Paul McNamara, ITV Sport’s executive director and producer, explained to the Telegraph that staying in the UK was never considered. He stated, “I want to take the viewer somewhere they can’t go. We’re an entertainment channel and we’re trying to entertain the viewers. The World Cup’s the biggest show in the world. I’m trying to take the viewer to the event and say, ‘This is what it feels like’.” He added that meticulous planning ensured iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty appeared over pundit Mark Pougatch’s shoulder, with traffic visible behind Ian Wright on the bridge.
BBC's Salford Studio Criticized
The BBC’s studio has been mocked as a “work-from-home” setup, featuring a panoramic screen that simulates views of host cities. Former BBC host Gary Lineker, now presenting his podcast The Rest is Football from Times Square, quipped about his former employer being “in Salford in a green box.” Dan Walker, another ex-BBC presenter, sympathized, noting that ITV’s lavish studio would have cost a fortune, while the BBC faces criticism whether they go abroad or stay home. TV critic Boyd Hilton called it a “terrible decision,” describing the virtual studio as “weak sauce.”
BBC's Defense
Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski defended the decision, emphasizing cost savings and sustainability. He said, “It’s not a green box in Salford. It’s a beautiful state-of-the-art studio.” He argued that the viewer experience at home is largely unchanged, and questioned whether spending millions on a remote studio would be justifiable. With matches spanning Mexico, Canada, and the US, Kay-Jelski highlighted the environmental and budgetary benefits of staying put: “The money and sustainability are massively linked… I don’t think the answer is to go ‘everyone can go’.” He concluded that the BBC is doing more than ever before and remains proud of the setup.
Reactions and Comparisons
ITV’s coverage on Wednesday included presenter Mark Pougatch walking through downtown New York, boasting “a great view of Lower Manhattan” and assuring viewers it was real, not AI. Ian Wright praised the set as “amazing, unbelievable… it should be grand, massive.” Meanwhile, the BBC’s decision continues to draw mixed reactions, with some acknowledging the financial prudence and others lamenting the lack of immersion for a global event.
