BBCs WIMBLEDON COMMENTARY TEAM
The BBC’s
Wimbledon commentary team has to be given full credit once again for producing
an excellent product during the Wimbledon 2011 fortnight. Its Wimbledon coverage unquestionably gives
the viewing public genuine value for the license fee.
The secret
recipe is hard to define exactly, but it seems to be a combination of
factors. At the centre of the team, is
the main anchor, Sue Barker, the soul of charm and pleasantness. Her genial and diplomatic approach to her job
ensures the production moves along smoothly, while remaining exciting and
stimulating. Adept at facilitating
contributions from others and totally without any grandstanding ‘ego’ herself,
Barker, keeps the show firmly on the road.
The traditional and civilised event that Wimbledon is, is mirrored in
Barker’s own civilised style and in her substance as a professional commentator
and former top player.
Another key
ingredient in the mix is the putting together of an excellent team of
commentators around Sue Barker. The
2011 team saw a particularly large number of ‘tennis heavyweights’ who all
added some heft to the greatest tournament in the world. They are an eclectic mix. There is the ebullient, opinionated and charming
John McEnroe (once ‘bête noir, now tennis ‘elder statesman’). By contrast, there is the calm and measured
John Lloyd - a commentator of long standing and key figure in British tennis
development.
Every good
commentary team must have its own slightly ‘off the wall’ member. This role is performed by Boris Becker whose
explosive contributions (based admittedly on long experience at the very top of
the game), both provoke and amuse. Tim
Henman applies classic British coolness and reserve as an antidote to Boris’
more ‘Sturm und Drang’ approach. The
razor-sharp, clinical analysis is provided by Andrew Castle. Virginia Wade, the doyenne of British tennis,
dispenses tennis wisdom in her graceful and perceptive way, while the chirpy
Tracy Austin and the genial Lindsey Davenport bring a deep knowledge and
experience, particularly of the American game and the Women’s Tour. Even Bjorn Borg made a few ‘cameo’
appearances this year, alongside his former rival but now firm friend,
McEnroe. Conversation inevitably turned
to the titanic contests between the two in 1980 and 1981. I suppose players of their stature are
allowed the occasional personal indulgence!
Usually
ensconced in the ‘box’ and rarely visible is David Mercer, adept at conveying
the passage of a match for the benefit of the viewer. Knowing when to speak and when not to speak
is a skill that Mercer has mastered – something that other sports’ commentators
could take on board!. Mercer follows in
a long line of great occupants of the commentary box. There was, of course, the inimitable Dan
Maskell whose rich voice and considerable tennis experience were synonymous
with Wimbledon. Notable in the past too were the mellifluous tones of John
Barrett as he worked in tandem with Maskell while in the 1970’s and early
1908’s, Jack Kramer brought a distinctly fresh, American flavour to the
commentary box. The current team had a
hard act to follow.
Given the
‘sardine can’ effect and the high summer temperatures in the box, furthermore,
compatibility with those you are rubbing shoulders with is vital. Knowing how to divide responsibilities
effectively between lead and support commentators is also key to a smooth
production. The BBC teams seem to work
in harmony, despite the wide array of personality types.
Another indispensible factor behind the
success is the product itself. The
Wimbledon Championships are a ‘blue chip’ event that could almost sell and
market themselves. Dealing with an event
of such stature as a broadcaster is like holding the Crown Jewels: a huge
responsibility lies in your hands.
Conscious of the event’s stature and tradition, the commentary team
exercise that responsibility well in dealing with a discerning and informed
viewing public.
Because
Wimbledon is such a major sporting and social event on the British calendar, a
large number of ingredients must go into making it a success. A competent and stimulating commentary team
are part of that success. The BBC, as
the flagship national broadcaster, has long been conscious of its role of
responsibility in this area. The Royal
Box, strawberries and cream, Henman Hill, Robinson’s Barley Water,
celeb-watching and white attire, are among the other key ingredients of the
Championship’s success. Good commentary
is all part of the overall Wimbledon choreography.
In terms of
UK coverage, the BBC faces no direct competition from alternative broadcasters,
given Wimbledon’s special ‘ring-fenced’ status as a sporting event. This would
usually be considered a bad thing, as monopolies tend to result in
inefficiencies and other negative effects for consumers. This does not seem to be the case with the
BBC’s Wimbledon coverage, however. The
Beeb manages to attract the best talent for its team, the product is ‘blue
chip’ and production values are of the highest standard. Only the weather is prone to disappoint! Any complacency that might creep in is
averted by maintaining and surpassing its own high standards in proudly
producing coverage of one of Britain’s iconic sporting events. As a review of its coverage over the last 40
or more years would show, that coverage has also been able to evolve with
changing times, while at the same time, maintaining respect for Wimbledon’s
traditions. The 2001 event shows that the BBC continues to get the recipe
right.
Paul
McElhinney
Date published :
19 Jul 2011 - 12:15:49
