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Channel 4 Racing will be on More4 during the Paralympics on September 1 and September 8 and Morning Line will be on at 9am.
I always thought Channel 4 might move racing to More4 permanently after digital switchover but with the acquisition of all race meetings and no competition from BBC this is not likely to happen but is More4 more appropriate for Racing with Channel 4 more aimed at the younger end of the market.
It’s a bit unfortunate for viewers if they haven’t got More4 when these meetings are switched there from Channel 4.
But, for people who have got access to More4, it’s actually a blessing because it means that viewers can get the best of both worlds.
The Paralympics will prove a big draw for many after the success of the Olympics and the widespread praise for Clare Balding for her BBC efforts at the Olympics will prove a major boost for the Channel 4 Paralympics coverage.
It’s better, pragmatically, for the racing to be shifted to More 4 and shown in full rather than being axed completely, as could have happened.
When Channel 4 used to share coverage with cricket, it was absolutely infuriating because all we were getting was joining races just as the last couple of runners went into the stalls. The coverage then cut back to the cricket not long after the horses had passed the past. A dog’s breakfast for racing and cricket fans alike, although the cricket definitely got the better deal out of it.
At least this arrangement on More4 avoids that situation, not that Channel 4 would ever have considered sharing the Paralympics and racing coverage.
When you think how the BBC cut back on its terrestrial and red button coverage of the Arc de Triomphe meeting last year, we should be grateful that there is at least the More4 option.
As far as I know, there is still no sign of this year’s Arc being televised on a terrestrial channel after the BBC understandably pulled out following the loss of its crown jewels. I did read that IMG’s appointment to the Channel 4 racing contract might now mean there could be a last-minute addition of the Arc to Channel 4 this year.I’m sure I read that Channel 4 wouldn’t be showing Sandown on 1 September as their card was of a too low quality. This means they can only show Beverley, Chester or Newton Abbot, who are all surely of an inferior quality to Sandown
Channel 4 Racing Marked shows
Sat 1 Sep, 14:00 – 16:25
More4
(Sport)
Sandown Park, Chester and Beverley – Live coverage of today’s races at Sandown Park, Chester and BeverleyHave Newton Abbot ever got a slot on Channel 4 racing without it being due to main feature courses being cancelled? Also the graphics show Leicester but don’t recall the last time they showed Leicester.
Have Newton Abbot ever got a slot on Channel 4 racing without it being due to main feature courses being cancelled? Also the graphics show Leicester but don’t recall the last time they showed Leicester.
Newton Abbot was shown several years running as part of the planned schedule on Easter Saturday not so long ago but the course fell out with Channel 4 and the meeting was dropped.
Leicester had been due to be featured on Channel 4 on April 28 but the meeting was abandoned because of waterlogging. Leicester has certainly had very bad luck with the weather this year. The course did feature occasionally on ITV many years ago, ironically usually for National Hunt meetings when other meetings were abandoned and they switched to Leicester in the old ITV 7 days. The BBC did have links with Leicester many years ago for the same April meeting."It’s a bit unfortunate for viewers if they haven’t got More4 when these meetings are switched there from Channel 4."
More4 is across all platforms – Freeview, being the most important as everybody as gone "digital" now.
The Paralympics was always going to take priority on Channel4 as the viewing figures will be much higher and therefore more advertising revenue coming in for them.
They paid about £5m for the rights and will want to get as much return on their investment as possible.
Regards
It’s a bit unfortunate for viewers if they haven’t got More4 when these meetings are switched there from Channel 4.
But, for people who have got access to More4, it’s actually a blessing because it means that viewers can get the best of both worlds.
The Paralympics will prove a big draw for many after the success of the Olympics and the widespread praise for Clare Balding for her BBC efforts at the Olympics will prove a major boost for the Channel 4 Paralympics coverage.
It’s better, pragmatically, for the racing to be shifted to More 4 and shown in full rather than being axed completely, as could have happened.
When Channel 4 used to share coverage with cricket, it was absolutely infuriating because all we were getting was joining races just as the last couple of runners went into the stalls. The coverage then cut back to the cricket not long after the horses had passed the past. A dog’s breakfast for racing and cricket fans alike, although the cricket definitely got the better deal out of it.
At least this arrangement on More4 avoids that situation, not that Channel 4 would ever have considered sharing the Paralympics and racing coverage.
When you think how the BBC cut back on its terrestrial and red button coverage of the Arc de Triomphe meeting last year, we should be grateful that there is at least the More4 option.
As far as I know, there is still no sign of this year’s Arc being televised on a terrestrial channel after the BBC understandably pulled out following the loss of its crown jewels. I did read that IMG’s appointment to the Channel 4 racing contract might now mean there could be a last-minute addition of the Arc to Channel 4 this year.With only Tyne Tees to convert (September 2012) and Northern Ireland (October 2012)
http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/when_do_i_switch
Most areas are already receiving digital so I don’t think it will be a problem.
In this day an age, people who can’t find More4 on their respective digital platform are probably the sort who have their TV permanently stuck on BBC1 anyway.
Fact is that the Paralympics is HUGE for CH4 (especially after the fiasco that was their coverage of the World Athletics Championships).
Fact is, with the possible exception of Haydock’s Sprint Cup on Saturday week the rest of the action being covered by CH4/More4 is of Zero interest to anyone apart from us die-hards.
Personally, I would like to see More4 utilised more for extra coverage of shoulder races on CH4 meetings. This was something they experimented a few years ago for a couple of weeks but was never continued.
On the Sky listings for the More4 racing on Saturday afternoon, it is described as "The Morning Line", even though the proper Morning Line is on earlier.
Heaven forbid there is a two-hour-and-25-minute version of the Morning Line in the afternoon after the lamentable, lacklustre, dumbed-down yawnathon that the real thing is these days.
No doubt the listing will be changed when someone realises…I used to love the Morning Line Crusty, you could always rely on a few good intereviews with trainers who had runners that afternoon and more often then not they would let slip a casual smile or a wink that their horse would do well, and it usually did.
Nowadays it’s a least 20 minutes into the programme before you even see a horse. Nick Luck waffling on, a review of the week, Tanya and someone discussing which horse is positive or negative (as if the horse knows!!))
Virtual bets from the team (last week they each tipped a different horse in the same race
)Guests such as Jeremy Kyle and the American Jockey Chantal Sutherland taking part in the boring ‘Guest Test’ in which Miss Sutherland was spotted by some eagle eyed viewer replacing the answers on the table next to Nick Luck prior to being asked the questions
Now, like Channel 4 Racing in the afternoon, I set the video to record, f/f through the adverts, the inane chat etc and sit back to watch around 10 minutes of what I really wanted to see.
It’s like they’ve all turned up for the Jolly Boys Outing and getting paid handsomely to do so. The horses….well they’re just those smelly creatures that might win them a bob or two..and as for their tips I just draw a line through most of them.
Move the whole lot to More 4 on a permanent basis fronted by the articulate Clare Balding and one ‘insignificant other’, bring on some ‘interesting guests’ that have some vital input into the days racing ahead and stop promoting betting firms and Pricewise.
End of rant
Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out...According to the listings on the Channel 4 website the racing tomorrow is not from Sandown, Chester and Beverley, but the second day of the St Leger meeting ……. oops
Is it just me or does anyone else feel less than enthused by these games ?
I mean no disrespect to the participants but sorry…
Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning
You aren’t alone Himself, I don’t feel anywhere near as enthused about them as the main Olympics.
Is it just me or does anyone else feel less than enthused by these games ?
I mean no disrespect to the participants but sorry…I can’t summon up any enthusiasm for the paralympic games themselves and won’t be watching any of it. Mind you, I didn’t watch very much of the Olympics either.
Many people don’t find it comfortable viewing but, of course, the big problem with admitting that you don’t like watching the paralympics is that it is virtually impossible for anyone to say this publicly without being vilified and heavily criticised for supposedly being uncaring and heartless.
Because this whole area has been enveloped in political correctness and any discussion of the matter sanitised and usually closed down as inappropriate, nobody likes to admit to not being interested in watching it because it is seen as callous.
There is obviously a huge amount of sympathy for the plights of those who are taking part and a large amount of admiration for the extra strengths they have found in managing to conquer adversities that would have overwhelmed many others.
It is interesting that the BBC chose to turn its back on covering the paralympics and that it was left to Channel 4, supposedly seen by many as a minority channel, to take up the television coverage.
It is highly likely that the BBC made the same unspoken and unacknowledged decision and value judgement that it and many other people would be unable to declare publicly, that it regards the paralympics as of secondary importance to the Olympics.
The BBC could no more admit this, in today’s climate, than anyone else could, unless they wanted a torrent of vitriol to descend upon them.
As with other "sensitive" issues, freedom of speech is not to be encouraged if it is deemed politically incorrect.Is it just me or does anyone else feel less than enthused by these games ?
I mean no disrespect to the participants but sorry…I can’t summon up any enthusiasm for the paralympic games themselves and won’t be watching any of it. Mind you, I didn’t watch very much of the Olympics either.
Many people don’t find it comfortable viewing but, of course, the big problem with admitting that you don’t like watching the paralympics is that it is virtually impossible for anyone to say this publicly without being vilified and heavily criticised for supposedly being uncaring and heartless.
Because this whole area has been enveloped in political correctness and any discussion of the matter sanitised and usually closed down as inappropriate, nobody likes to admit to not being interested in watching it because it is seen as callous.
There is obviously a huge amount of sympathy for the plights of those who are taking part and a large amount of admiration for the extra strengths they have found in managing to conquer adversities that would have overwhelmed many others.
It is interesting that the BBC chose to turn its back on covering the paralympics and that it was left to Channel 4, supposedly seen by many as a minority channel, to take up the television coverage.
It is highly likely that the BBC made the same unspoken and unacknowledged decision and value judgement that it and many other people would be unable to declare publicly, that it regards the paralympics as of secondary importance to the Olympics.
The BBC could no more admit this, in today’s climate, than anyone else could, unless they wanted a torrent of vitriol to descend upon them.
As with other "sensitive" issues, freedom of speech is not to be encouraged if it is deemed politically incorrect.Did the BBC actually make a bid to cover the Paralympics or was the CH4 package deemed to be better?
In respect of the public feeling uncomfortable, it is not an impossible argument regarding horse racing, particularly in the case of the Grand National, that there is a vast majority of that public to whom viewing the race is an uncomfortable spectacle rather than a horse race. Employing that logic, a minority channel is probably the best the racing public could hope for or deserve in this brave new world.It seems the BBC was beaten by a strong Channel 4 bid.
The Guardian website says:
Gary Lineker tweeted: "Lots asking why BBC TV’s not covering Paralympics? Strong bid was put in but organisers chose Channel 4. Shame for Beeb but wish C4 well."
Channel 4 effectively left the BBC in the starting blocks with a knock-out bid for TV rights to the 2012 Paralympics of £8m-£9m, following a tender process run by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games. The BBC has the radio rights, with live coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Live Extra and online.
However, two years after losing the TV rights to the Paralympics regret still runs deep at the BBC, with one senior TV industry executive describing it as "one of the biggest mistakes of all time".
"From a remit and prominence point of view it has to be viewed as one of the biggest mistakes of all time for the BBC," he said. "It is part of the BBC’s remit to support exactly this sort of minority event, and given the massive momentum of the Olympics it is a giant lost opportunity to not be able to continue seamless weeks of promotion to drive the Paralympics after such a spectacular Olympics."
A BBC spokesman admitted the disappointment lingers, but said the corporation is glad that the Paralympics went to a free to air rival rather than pay-TV.
"The BBC are disappointed to have not been awarded the rights to the 2012 Paralympic Games," said a spokesman for BBC Sport. "We’re proud of our traditions and record in covering disability sport. However we are pleased that the Games will be available to free-to-air audiences, and we congratulate Channel 4 on securing the rights. We are sure the 2012 Paralympics will be a great success. We wish Channel 4 the best of luck."
There has been limited cooperation between the two broadcasters to promote the Paralympics, with the BBC twice airing Channel 4’s Meet the Superhumans promo for its coverage during its programme.
In its 2010 bid, the BBC had drawn up plans to give the event a similar level of mainstream coverage as Channel 4, with programming running all day on BBC1 switching to evening coverage on BBC2.
BBC director of London 2012, Roger Mosey, has previously described its planned offering as "our most extensive ever live Paralympic coverage".
"People were absolutely gutted at not getting the TV rights," said one BBC source. "There was surprise and disappointment, shell-shock, as there were big plans. It was regretted at the time and it is regretted now, but it was a big bid by Channel 4."
In April Locog revealed that it had brought in more money than ever from global TV rights deals for a Paralympic Games, with foreign media including China’s state broadcaster CCTV on board.
"Locog came to us, all the public service broadcasters were offered to tender," says Martin Baker, director of commercial affairs at Channel 4. "It was a fair fight."
Channel 4 expects to do a little better than break even commercially with its Paralympics coverage, but in terms of viewing the broadcaster has high hopes good ratings will continue to be delivered.
"We are optimistic," said Baker. "We have got a fantastic inheritance from the Olympics because it was so successful. It is true it is a smaller event, but there is so much passion and interest that we are hoping it will do well."
Responding to criticism of the number of commercial breaks during the opening ceremony, a Channel 4 spokesman said that a decision had been taken to reduce advertising airtime to a minimum in order to reduce interruptions to the coverage.The BBC says on one of its websites:
The television rights were awarded to Channel 4 by the organisers, Locog, and although we can’t provide live TV coverage, BBC Radio 5 live and Radio 5 live sports extra will provide live commentary and reporting from the Games. Our local radio stations will follow the athletes from their home patches.
BBC TV News outlets will also report the stories of the Games, but we are restricted in the amount of footage we can use to illustrate reports and interviews and our TV crews have limited access to the Olympic Park. The sports news bulletins on the BBC News Channel will be presented live from our studio overlooking the Park, bringing the latest interviews and reaction.
Online, the 2012 portal will pool the best of the BBC’s digital offerings across News, Sport and Regions. There will be dedicated Paralympics sections on our web and mobile sites, with the latest news, results, medals table, schedule and photo galleries, and a live text commentary page. And the team from the Ouch! disability blog will provide reports from the various venues, for their own blog and for the News website.I’m an enthusiastic supporter of the Paralympics and am glad it’s been given plenty of telly-time; but as a spectacle for this fortunately able-bodied man I have little interest and find watching it a generally boring and discomforting experience, though thoroughly enjoyed Ellie Simmonds’ victory
I see no reason why the able-bodied majority should feel guilty if they don’t embrace the Paralympics with the fervour they did the Olympics, or are reticent to admit they don’t want to watch it, because purely as sporting spectacles the events are for the most part second-rate
One can greatly admire the triumph over (sometimes severe) adversity displayed by the Paralympians and marvel at their dedication; but that does not necessarily mean one wants to watch them, nor that one should feel it’s a ‘duty’ to watch them
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