BBC lost the rights to show football highlights this summer, to ITV’s The Premiership (which I have reviewed). This was a shame, as Match of the Day was a very popular programme. Here I will explain why Match of the Day was so successful, and why The Premiership has failed to live up to its standards.

Match of the Day had a very catchy introductory theme tune. Everyone knew what was coming when 10:25 appeared on the clocks. Indeed, it was one of the highlights of the programme. I remember rushing to my T.V. just to hear it. Although ITV have a good song, It’s a Beautiful Day, it could never live up to the previous high standards.

Match of the Day had a good workforce of presenters, too. Although Des Lynam also hosts The Premiership, he used to host MOTD, and was in his element there. BBC also offered a show where there were no interruptions for adverts, as there are on ITV.

Match of the Day’s only downfall was that it was on late at night, so many children were not allowed to see it by their parents. Although it was repeated, the repeat time was just as early in the morning as it was late at night. ITV subsequently offered a prime time slot, which increased it’s popularity, but that has now been withdrawn, because of poor viewing figures.

Fortunately, Match of the Day is not finished. It still holds the rights to show F.A. cup action, as well as the UEFA cup, and internationals. Indeed, whilst The Premiership was getting poor viewing figures, MOTD hosted matches such as Germany 1 – 5 England.

So, Match of the Day was, and still is, a quality show. It is a shame that ITV had to go and buy the rights, as viewing figures for football have gone significantly down on BBC’s high standards.
BBC lost the rights to show football highlights this summer, to ITV’s The Premiership (which I have reviewed). This was a shame, as Match of the Day was a very popular programme. Here I will expla
in why Match of the Day was so successful, and why The Premiership has failed to live up to its standards.

Match of the Day had a very catchy introductory theme tune. Everyone knew what was coming when 10:25 appeared on the clocks. Indeed, it was one of the highlights of the programme. I remember rushing to my T.V. just to hear it. Although ITV have a good song, It’s a Beautiful Day, it could never live up to the previous high standards.

Match of the Day had a good workforce of presenters, too. Although Des Lynam also hosts The Premiership, he used to host MOTD, and was in his element there. BBC also offered a show where there were no interruptions for adverts, as there are on ITV.

Match of the Day’s only downfall was that it was on late at night, so many children were not allowed to see it by their parents. Although it was repeated, the repeat time was just as early in the morning as it was late at night. ITV subsequently offered a prime time slot, which increased it’s popularity, but that has now been withdrawn, because of poor viewing figures.

Fortunately, Match of the Day is not finished. It still holds the rights to show F.A. cup action, as well as the UEFA cup, and internationals. Indeed, whilst The Premiership was getting poor viewing figures, MOTD hosted matches such as Germany 1 – 5 England.

So, Match of the Day was, and still is, a quality show. It is a shame that ITV had to go and buy the rights, as viewing figures for football have gone significantly down on BBC’s high standards.