The BBC has moved its much-loved Wimbledon round-up programme, 'Today at Wimbledon', to a late-night slot on BBC2, according to reports. The show, which previously occupied prime-time slots at 8pm and later 9pm, will now air from 11pm to midnight and consist solely of basic highlights, with no presenters or pundits after they were quietly axed.
Shake-Up Driven by Changing Viewer Habits
The shake-up is believed to have been driven by BBC Sport boss Alex Kay-Jelski, as a higher volume of viewers now catch up on the day's play via websites and apps. Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, stated: "Wimbledon remains one of the defining moments of the sporting year, where world-class performance meets a truly British sense of occasion."
He added: "This summer, BBC Sport's coverage combines the heritage and prestige audiences expect with exciting new voices in our presenting line-up, alongside more advanced analytics and tech that bring fresh insight to every game, set and match. Our aim is simple: to bring audiences closer to each story and moment that defines Wimbledon whether they are watching clips on their phone, TV, listening to the radio or following live text."
New Presenting Line-Up and Andrew Castle's Departure
BBC Sport brings unrivalled coverage of this year's championship, led by Clare Balding and Isa Guha. Isa Guha kicks off the day's action in the morning on BBC Two, before Clare Balding takes over in the afternoon as play continues into the evening on BBC One.
It comes as Andrew Castle has confirmed that Wimbledon this year will be his last at the commentator's mic. The former British No 1 is leaving the "best gig in sports broadcasting" after more than two decades as the BBC makes changes to its coverage. The 62-year-old, who will remain in post as the All England Championships get under way on 29 June, told the Times: "It's been a hell of a journey. I can't say I have enjoyed every minute because there have been moments of pressure and controversy, but it has been a huge privilege."
Castle added: "To be honest, when I got the job 23 years ago, a lot of the more experienced commentators felt that they should have been first in line. Their noses were put out of joint. So, in the wider scheme of things, I am lucky that I had the best gig in sports broadcasting for so long, during the greatest age of men's tennis."
