Just read that Sue Barker, Phil Tufnell and Matt Dawson are being axed from 'Question of Sport' in the name of diversity. The fact that many of the guests who appear on the show are from all ethnic groupings seems to have been lost on the BBC. What make the decision even more ridiculous is the fact that the favourites to replace them are Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas. I've absolutely nothing against either of them and they are clearly both knowledgeable about their sports. The big question I have is "How does the removal of one set of presenters because they aren't 'ethnically diverse' and then replacing them with presenters from one other ethnic grouping actually correcting the issue"?
The BBC has also apparently said they want to appeal to a younger audience. Isn't that discriminating on the basis of age which is illegal?
...positive discrimination - which is just like any other form of discrimination...
But Question of Sport changes 'sets' every few years anyway, and although I thought Sue, Matt and Phil were among the top sets that have appeared, the next set could be just as good.
I agree 'sets' change but it's rare to remove all permanent elements from a successful show at the same time. I also agree that 'positive discrimination' whatever that is is just as bad as any other type. If it's positive for one group it must be negative for another.
At least they can claim to have covered a good number of the minority bases in one move.
I like football, but I'm not a great general sports fan (I watch the Olympics type person) - but for me they got the mix just right with the current three and it was a weekly 'staple' even though most of the questions left me cold. I liked most of the captains they've had over the years (Emlyn Hughes, Bill Beaumont and Willie Carson stick in my mind) - so hopefully the new ones will carry on in the same vein.
Most of the captains in the past have been pretty outgoing personalities with the possible exception of Bill Beaumont, and not scared to make prats of themselves. I'm not sure the two people being suggested as team captains would be as willing. They are both just building a career off the pitch and may want to portray a more serious side.
Posts