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F1 News & Discussions => General F1 Discussion => Topic started by: Irisado on December 21, 2015, 12:59:16 PM

Title: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Irisado on December 21, 2015, 12:59:16 PM
It was inevitable that Formula 1 was going to be a casualty of the cuts imposed on BBC.  The only silver lining is that Channel 4 have picked up the remaining three years of the BBC's contract, and have stated that they will not show adverts during the live races.

More details on can be found on the following pages:
http://www.channel4.com/info/press/news/channel-4-becomes-terrestrial-home-of-formula-1?hootPostID=dde274dfb372ab4d0ede906f68a35e34
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/entries/d65fc069-ca52-41dd-a7be-674ca1614e14
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Jericoke on December 21, 2015, 02:20:55 PM
I just hope they don't bump up the liscencing cost for the Canadian re-broadcast.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Steve A. on December 21, 2015, 03:11:23 PM
At least there will still be free to air coverage I'm the UK. Hopefully they will do a good job, I wonder who the presenting team will be.
 
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Scott on December 21, 2015, 03:44:42 PM
Yeah, but it's only for the 10 races again, or does Channel 4 get the whole season?  I wonder who they are going to use - hope Coulthard stays with the broadcast.

Also thankful I get Channel 4 as well over here, though I'm thinking of killing off our cable and pony up for Netflix instead...the kids are getting on my back about it and my daughter has an unhealthy addiction to horrible MTV reality shows which I don't think are available on Netflix.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Irisado on December 21, 2015, 04:01:41 PM
The first of the two links in my opening post clarifies that it will be the same deal that the BBC had, so ten live races.

There is no news yet about the presentation team.  This will be announced in 2016, along with which races will be shown live.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: guest3164 on December 21, 2015, 05:43:35 PM
Disappointing for the Beeb to lose F1.  Admittedly I mostly watch it on Sky as I have had that for years (and years) but I will miss the BBC having it.  I will be curious to watch Channel 4's coverage though, they try to be edgy normally so will this carry on into their F1, or will it be restricted by Bernie?  Will they have 'The Chain' as their theme tune?  There is really a limited field of people they can appoint, so I wonder if they'll hoover up the BBC presenters?  Maybe we could end up with Coulthard rejoining Brundle at Sky.  Either way, I think I'll be watching some racing on 4 this year. 
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Andy B on December 21, 2015, 10:59:23 PM
I've just seem this and although it does not affect me its disappointing that the BBC have dropped the ball, it will be interesting to see who presents it on Channel 4 as that makes a huge difference. I have seen a race or two in Aussie and their show and style does not do it for me.
I have been impressed with Sky and MB does a great job but Sky is the only way I can watch it here in NZ with streaming it in from somewhere that does not have the commentary I want.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Ian on December 22, 2015, 01:37:43 PM
But I'll bet the BBC doesn't get rid of Wimbledon, once again we'll be swamped by it.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: guest3164 on December 22, 2015, 05:37:21 PM
You see, whilst I also love tennis, it does grate with me how much attention the BBC give to Wimbledon each year.  To me it exacerbates the idea in this country that there is 'tennis season' during July only.  Blanket coverage for a fortnight yet hardly any mention of any other event.  Also their smug crew of commentators (Andrew Castle, John Lloyd mostly) get on my nerves and I wish they'd shake it up.  They could probably save a lot of the F1 fee by halving the amount of commentators they employ at Wimbledon! 
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Irisado on December 22, 2015, 05:45:56 PM
The saddest part for me about this is that BBC team didn't get to sign off with a proper farewell.  ITV at least got to do that, as did the BBC back in 1996.  This time there was no opportunity to do that, although Coulthard tried to incorporate this into his closing words on the last F1 forum.  It's impossible to say thanks for the memories properly though when no decision has actually been taken.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Alianora La Canta on December 22, 2015, 06:54:57 PM
The BBC got told to make huge cuts immediately, so the rights it was easiest to move got moved. Nobody wants the full rights to Wimbledon (how would they justify the fee?), so it was always going to be more difficult to divide them up than it was to offer the whole of an already-split contract to a broadcaster who'd already expressed an interest in picking up the tab.

Something that went under the radar during all this is that Sky is cutting costs and streamlining various parts of its F1 coverage. I suspect it is quietly having trouble justifying the Bernie bills too. 2018 is going to be interesting!

It is a pity there was no opportunity to sign off properly. Yet another thing to blame the British government for; they have no sense of how much things cost. Much like Bernie, really...

Channel 4 did an excellent job with the Paralympics, and I hope they carry that into the F1 coverage. It would surprise me if "The Chain" or anything else associated with motor sport was the theme tune - there is a preference for having a new theme tune for every program. Many, many people could be the commentators.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Scott on December 22, 2015, 07:21:15 PM
In an article I read somewhere with Eddie whining about getting the boot (he was actually showing a lot of concern for his fellow BBCF1 employees, many of whom had recently uprooted to a new location), it was mentioned that Coulthard seems to be top of the list for Ch4 presenters for F1.  Hope so.  In some ways it would be fun to have Eddie around as well, but if they are signing Prost to a 'Lauda-like' position at Renault, maybe they should sign Eddie to a 'Lauda-like' position at Williams or something.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Ian on December 22, 2015, 08:10:07 PM
I like DC but I still reckon MB is the king of the gridwalk.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Scott on December 23, 2015, 08:08:14 AM
I don't really care who does the grid walk (rather have a comedian do it actually), but I like DC's commentary during the race.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Steve A. on December 23, 2015, 08:20:55 AM
I hope DC gets the job, as much as I was a Jordan fan I don't think EJ is good at presenting, so he wouldn't be a miss. Other than that I'm not too bothered,  bit if JB is retiring at the end of next season I would have him lined up now.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: guest3164 on December 23, 2015, 08:38:13 AM
Good call on JB, but somehow I see him ending up at Sky.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Monty on December 23, 2015, 08:47:33 AM
I hope Channel 4 take the whole BBC team. Lets face it, it is a successful line up so why risk change. I particularly hope they keep Suzi Perry. She is good at the job plus I have met her a few times and she must be one of the nicest people in TV.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Alianora La Canta on December 23, 2015, 07:30:32 PM
I hope DC gets the job, as much as I was a Jordan fan I don't think EJ is good at presenting, so he wouldn't be a miss. Other than that I'm not too bothered,  bit if JB is retiring at the end of next season I would have him lined up now.

Looks like DC may have got a presenting job... ...doing BBC Top Gear. Though this is not confirmed.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Steve A. on December 24, 2015, 12:19:03 AM
I hope DC gets the job, as much as I was a Jordan fan I don't think EJ is good at presenting, so he wouldn't be a miss. Other than that I'm not too bothered,  bit if JB is retiring at the end of next season I would have him lined up now.

Looks like DC may have got a presenting job... ...doing BBC Top Gear. Though this is not confirmed.

That would be ok, it would dilute Chris Evans presence on the show a bit.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Ian on December 24, 2015, 12:21:22 AM
It don't bother me, I ain't paying to watch it.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Dare on December 24, 2015, 05:23:08 AM
Cos and me havenever had any problems watching F1 races.I
don'thave cableand I'm not sure if Cos has F1 on his cable.

When I first started watching British F1 broadcasts it took
s little get used to...now I prefer it over  the US broadcasts
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Steve A. on December 24, 2015, 06:24:22 AM
It don't bother me, I ain't paying to watch it.

It's still free to air, it's the other crew on Amazon.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Scott on December 24, 2015, 01:36:31 PM
Anyone have a clue when the new Top Gear is going to start?  Seems like it's taking forever.  I might just forget about it if the BBC don't get their act in gear.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: guest3164 on December 24, 2015, 02:21:54 PM
Chris Evans was on TV a few weeks ago and said it would be on next year, I am assuming Spring time at the earliest.  Given that his presenting crew have only just been 'announced' I guess there will be a bit to do before they can do the shows.  Apparently a fair few of the 'films' have been shot though for inclusion into the episodes. 
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Scott on December 24, 2015, 10:33:53 PM
Good news...thanks WF.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Ian on December 25, 2015, 01:56:36 PM
It ain't on BBC Scott, it's on Amazon Prime and you've gotta pay for it.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: guest3164 on December 25, 2015, 02:23:45 PM
Top Gear with Chris Evans will be on the Beeb. 
The new show with Clarkson and Co will be on Amazon Prime. 
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Ian on December 25, 2015, 04:33:22 PM
Der, got it wrong again dad, happens at my age.  ::)
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: guest3164 on December 25, 2015, 04:39:55 PM
I find myself forgetting more and more by the day.  Whether it was the previous night's beer helping this process, I have no idea.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Scott on December 25, 2015, 08:15:25 PM
No interest in Clarkson and his minions, looking for Top Gear
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Alianora La Canta on January 01, 2016, 06:50:53 PM
Channel 4 have made an investment into Whisper Films (http://www.jakehumphreyofficial.com/news/article/channel-4-invests-in-whisper-films). The latter is a production company owned by Jake Humphrey, David Coulthard and former BBC F1 producer Sunil Patel. I guess that's 2/3 of the presenting team decided!
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Scott on January 01, 2016, 07:00:33 PM
I thought Humphrey was with football now.  Did BBC also cut that coverage?
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: John S on January 01, 2016, 07:18:15 PM
I thought Humphrey was with football now.  Did BBC also cut that coverage?

Jake left the BBC to take up a role at BTSport who have been buying up a lot of Football and other sport for staggering sums.

BTs the main landline/internet provider in the UK and are trying to combat SKYs meteoric rise to be biggest media supplier in Britain by offering TV services with pay Sport coverage alongside internet access down their landline infrastructure.

All the telephony providers now see a bundled package of Internet + Phone + TV/Film + Mobile(cell) phone as the holy grail.



Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Alianora La Canta on January 01, 2016, 07:34:28 PM
Jake Humphrey has two jobs - presenting football on BT Sport and co-owner of production company Whisper Film. It's in the latter capacity that I expect him to do Channel 4 F1 coverage. It would also not surprise me if this was the prelude to a Channel 4/BT Sport split of coverage in 2018 (as distinct from the BBC/Sky split that previously reigned, or Channel 4/Sky that exists now).

Football coverage mostly got cut by the BBC last decade (one such cutback was what enabled them to get the F1 coverage when ITV bailed out in order to buy Champions League coverage). The two parts the BBC still has are partial coverage of the two big international tournaments (the Euros and World Cup) and "Match of the Day" - a highlights show covering the best bits of all English League football (and, in Scotland, Scottish League football too). The latter will survive any number of cutbacks - even if the entire Sport department was canned, they'd find a way to fund it through "Entertainment" or something, because it's that much of a lynchpin for part of its audience.
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Ian on January 01, 2016, 08:50:43 PM
BT Sport is the best one for rugby, loads of it.  :good:
Title: Re: Channel 4 Takes Over Formula 1 Coverage from the BBC
Post by: Irisado on January 15, 2016, 04:02:00 PM
Channel 4 have made an investment into Whisper Films (http://www.jakehumphreyofficial.com/news/article/channel-4-invests-in-whisper-films). The latter is a production company owned by Jake Humphrey, David Coulthard and former BBC F1 producer Sunil Patel. I guess that's 2/3 of the presenting team decided!

I'd say that's pretty conclusive.  We now just need a formal announcement.

Eddie Jordan gets a lot of stick for his presentation, but his voice overs for the BBC's introduction sequences and his predictions about driver moves were spot on.  My view is that there's a lot to be said for retaining the BBC's presentation team to as great an extent as possible.
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