Andre147 wrote:Judging by the reactions here, seems most will be pleased to see the BBC get rid of Taylor, but believe Virgo still has something to offer.
I believe it depends who Virgo is commentating with.. for instance with Hendry it works perfectly, even Hendry once said commentating with Virgo is his favourite partner.
I think it's a fine line.
Personally, I'm not hugely disappointed that the BBC are moving in a direction of getting more knowledgeable commentators in. I know you need more than just knowledge to be a good commentator, but we're always the first on here to complain when the BBC get things wrong with their coverage. Commentators making factual gaffes, and not knowing who half the players are are part of that.
Having said that, us saddos who post on internet are the minority of the BBC audience. (In fact, I know there are some people on here who barely watch snooker on the BBC any more.) There's lots of people who are big fans of both Taylor and Virgo. They can be affable guys and are decent/experienced TV personalities. Should us minority be catered too, especially when Eurosport is an option? (Assuming that people can afford the channel, or are technologically proficient enough to get The App of course.)
I have noticed that at the past couple of Crucibles, the BBC do seem to be attempting to present it more professionally with longer coverage, use of BBC 4, even referring to non-BBC tournaments on analysis. I may be dreaming, but I think even Dennis Taylor has referred to golf a bit less.
That'll definitely please us. And makes it feel like they are presenting the sport in a more professional way. But, snake hissing off the majority of viewers is risky for a sport that is quite dependent on freeview coverage. We're not as popular as we'd like, sadly. And do ITV have enough dedication to show a 17-day tournament, where they have to show two tables and they can't cut out Saturday afternoon coverage to show horse racing?