BBC respond to Newcastle United & Sunderland coverage claims
Newcastle United and Sunderland radio coverage will continue as normal amid BBC cost-cutting proposals.
The BBC have denied that Newcastle United and Sunderland radio commentary will be axed as part of cost-cutting proposals.
The plans, reported by the Norwich Evening News, could see BBC local radio stations stop sending their own commentary teams to away matches, something the BBC have denied.
Newcastle United and Sunderland fans often rely on hearing familiar voices such as Matthew Raisbeck, John Anderson, Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett on BBC Newcastle when their team is on the road.
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The proposals are being discussed as the BBC looks to make £500m in savings over the next two years.
BBC Newcastle currently provides dedicated coverage of both Newcastle United and Sunderland, with its commentary teams travelling to away fixtures to report on the action and provide analysis for listeners unable to attend.
The prospect of instead having to listen to commentary from the opposition’s local BBC station could prove very unpopular with supporters.
But The Gazette understands that BBC radio commentary for Newcastle and Sunderland matches will continue as normal for the time being. Both clubs rely on BBC Newcastle commentary as part of their coverage and agreed new deals over the summer. Sunderland’s Europa League campaign is also set to be covered home and away by BBC Newcastle.
The proposals to cut local commentary come as the BBC continues to make cuts to its sports coverage, with programmes including Football Focus having already been axed.
A BBC spokesman said that no decision had been made on the cost-saving measures. While the corporation was looking at ways to reduce duplication, it would not apply to BBC Newcastle or BBC Radio Tees as things stand.
The spokesperson said: “This is not true. Home and away game commentary, analysis and coverage will continue at BBC Radio Tees and Newcastle. 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.”
Newcastle supporters can listen to live BBC Newcastle commentary of Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup third round away match at Millwall (8pm kick-off). Sunderland’s match against Hull City at the Stadium of Light will also be available, along with all upcoming Premier League matches for both sides until further notice.