TV Coverage Thread

[The Master]

We should find out later today who's showing what games (BBC/STV).

If it's anything like last time, BBC Scotland won't be doing their own coverage and instead we get a more Scottish-y version of the network. STV might opt-out to provide their own coverage, but Rory Hamilton mysteriously popped up on ITV's FA Cup coverage this weekend so perhaps ITV are considering the same approach as the BBC.

The idea that if the BBC show the opening game it might come with a heavy Scottish bias is already causing consternation amongst England supporters on places like Digital Spy. Ostensibly, the fact it's the opening game is more important than it being a Scotland game in their eyes.

Edited December 4, 2023 by The Master

[2426255]

I hope the BBC do the tactical camera we saw at the last Euro's. If they do I I'd prefer BBC covering our games - otherwise not really bothered.

Edited December 4, 2023 by 2426255

[Pie Of The Month]

One added bonus of going to Germany is not having to hear "and now we go over to the England camp" every half time.

I'm guessing based on the fact he was on their UK wide coverage for the draw McFadden will be the BBC's Scottish pundit.

[BFTD]

1 hour ago, Pie Of The Month said:

One added bonus of going to Germany is not having to hear "and now we go over to the England camp" every half time.

I'm guessing based on the fact he was on their UK wide coverage for the draw McFadden will be the BBC's Scottish pundit.

17th June: "...and after that first half performance by France, the semi-final is looking even more mouth-watering. Harry, has the gaffer given anything away about how he intends to nullify Mbappe?"

[Ray Patterson]

Always found it a bit annoying that BBC Sport don't use any of the Sport Scotland staff for their network production - other than Sutherland doing the interviews it was all freelancers that came in - McLean on comms was a brutal choice - especially when you have Lamont and McLeod in-house, who are far better.

The women's game the other night was quite interesting (production wise - not the shambles on the pitch) and I suspect Barbour will be on Scotland's games for the Beeb, which while she's a good presenter, I imagine might rub the PQ staff up the wrong way. Although weirdly they were promoting Sportscene and SWPL Highlights - which I haven't seen from a network production recently.

With STV/ITV - I really hope they combine their coverage - but make sure it's fully Scottish - like have the STV team come in and use the ITV resources - rather than have the likes of Pougatch or Jaswal on Scotland's games. Rory Hamilton is a no-brainer for them surely.

Suppose the likes of Stewart will have free choice.



 

[KingRocketman II]

Something you never think about until you get closer to the tournament and then it starts to hang over you more and more as you remember the increasingly jingoistic coverage that comes from BBC and ITV. It is almost like the poppy debate - anything balanced or nuanced by a pundit is invariably met online with a barrage of "why do you hate this country?" type responses. And this seems to influence coverage. 

Hopefully be at some of the games or watching in Germany/other countries or if here, then in pub. But will be no getting away from it entirely - unless Scotland games get their own studio team which I doubt. sigh. 

Edited December 7, 2023 by KingRocketman II

[kennie makevin]

5 hours ago, Ray Patterson said:

Always found it a bit annoying that BBC Sport don't use any of the Sport Scotland staff for their network production - other than Sutherland doing the interviews it was all freelancers that came in - McLean on comms was a brutal choice - especially when you have Lamont and McLeod in-house, who are far better.

The women's game the other night was quite interesting (production wise - not the shambles on the pitch) and I suspect Barbour will be on Scotland's games for the Beeb, which while she's a good presenter, I imagine might rub the PQ staff up the wrong way. Although weirdly they were promoting Sportscene and SWPL Highlights - which I haven't seen from a network production recently.

With STV/ITV - I really hope they combine their coverage - but make sure it's fully Scottish - like have the STV team come in and use the ITV resources - rather than have the likes of Pougatch or Jaswal on Scotland's games. Rory Hamilton is a no-brainer for them surely.

Suppose the likes of Stewart will have free choice.



 

Naw....I like 'to see ourselves as others see us' . And Scottish commentators are generally rubbish. Certainly 'little boy shouter' Liam McLeod should be given the summer off.

[2426255]

 

8 hours ago, Ray Patterson said:

McLean on comms was a brutal choice.

Brutal is the right word. 

2 hours ago, kennie makevin said:

Certainly 'little boy shouter' Liam McLeod should be given the summer off.

McLeod is alright, little boy shouter encapsulates why I've not really taken to his commentary.

I'd personally prefer to swerve the likes of Graeme Souness for the studio team although he will no doubt be involved. One thing I'd like to see is a neutral observers take on Scotland, preferably a manager. Someone maybe like Jurgen Klinsmann would give an informed, objective and analytical contribution on our team. You're probably less likely to get that if it's the STV team and instead end up with Pat Nevin - if he isn't dj-ing. 

Edited December 7, 2023 by 2426255

[The Master]

ITV/STV have the Germany game. BBC have Switzerland and Hungary.

Full groups stage picks:

Spoiler

Date	Match	Kick Off (BST)	Broadcaster
14-Jun	Germany v Scotland	8pm	ITV
15-Jun	Hungary v Switzerland	2pm	ITV
15-Jun	Spain v Croatia	5pm	ITV
15-Jun	Italy v Albania	8pm	BBC
16-Jun	Play-off Winner A* v Netherlands	2pm	BBC
16-Jun	Slovenia v Denmark	5pm	ITV
16-Jun	Serbia v England	8pm	BBC
17-Jun	Romania v Play-off Winner B*	2pm	BBC
17-Jun	Belgium v Slovakia	5pm	ITV
17-Jun	Austria v France	8pm	ITV
18-Jun	Turkey v Play-off Winner C*	5pm	BBC
18-Jun	Portugal v Czech Republic	8pm	BBC
19-Jun	Croatia v Albania	2pm	ITV
19-Jun	Germany v Hungary	5pm	BBC
19-Jun	Scotland v Switzerland	8pm	BBC
20-Jun	Slovenia v Serbia	2pm	ITV
20-Jun	Denmark v England	5pm	BBC
20-Jun	Spain v Italy	8pm	ITV
21-Jun	Slovakia v Play-off winner B*	2pm	BBC
21-Jun	Play-off Winner A* v Austria	5pm	ITV
21-Jun	Netherlands v France	8pm	BBC
22-Jun	Play-off Winner C* v Czech Republic	2pm	BBC
22-Jun	Turkey v Portugal	5pm	ITV
22-Jun	Belgium v Romania	8pm	ITV
23-Jun	Switzerland v Germany	8pm	BBC
23-Jun	Scotland v Hungary	8pm	BBC
24-Jun	Albania v Spain	8pm	BBC
24-Jun	Croatia v Italy	8pm	BBC
25-Jun	Netherlands v Austria	5pm	BBC
25-Jun	France v Play-off Winner A*	5pm	BBC
25-Jun	England v Slovenia	8pm	ITV
25-Jun	Denmark v Serbia	8pm	ITV
26-Jun	Slovakia v Romania	5pm	BBC
26-Jun	Play-off Winner B* v Belgium	5pm	BBC
26-Jun	Play-off Winner C* v Portugal	8pm	ITV
26-Jun	Czech Republic v Turkey	8pm	ITV

 

[The Master]

9 hours ago, Ray Patterson said:

Always found it a bit annoying that BBC Sport don't use any of the Sport Scotland staff for their network production - other than Sutherland doing the interviews it was all freelancers that came in - McLean on comms was a brutal choice - especially when you have Lamont and McLeod in-house, who are far better.

Rob Maclean has something of a more national profile. He did work for MOTD before his move to Setanta - which then in itself was a more "national" job. Since then, he's become the go-to secondary Scottish commentator for BT/TNT, Premier Sports etc. 

So presumably the network see him as a safe pair of hands (which of course is subjective, but you can sort of see where they're coming from). 

9 hours ago, Ray Patterson said:

The women's game the other night was quite interesting (production wise - not the shambles on the pitch) and I suspect Barbour will be on Scotland's games for the Beeb, which while she's a good presenter, I imagine might rub the PQ staff up the wrong way. Although weirdly they were promoting Sportscene and SWPL Highlights - which I haven't seen from a network production recently.

I think presentation will depend on the BBC's plans. If they go for a central studio in Berlin, then Gary Lineker might present all the live games, with Eilidh Barbour being the reporter in the Scotland camp, who then does some pre- and post-match stuff at the ground. 

9 hours ago, Ray Patterson said:

With STV/ITV - I really hope they combine their coverage - but make sure it's fully Scottish - like have the STV team come in and use the ITV resources - rather than have the likes of Pougatch or Jaswal on Scotland's games. Rory Hamilton is a no-brainer for them surely.

Suppose the likes of Stewart will have free choice.
 

ITV/STV will be interesting. Rory Hamilton popped up on ITVX, commentating on Wrexham v Yeovil. That might be a sign they're considering using him for Scotland games, which would make STV more inclined to take the network coverage.

I wouldn't necessarily object to Mark Pougatch presenting. He's an excellent presenter, and does seem to show enthusiasm for more than just England (at least, if the RWC was anything to go by). 

[PSJ.84]

I find Pougatch incredibly grating tbh.  

[LoonsYouthTeam]

Most important question, is McCoist confirmed as an ITV commentator?

[Archie McSquackle]

I was just about to say the same thing, surely ITV are sticking with McCoist? He even seems popular with English viewers. 

[git-intae-thum]

On 07/12/2023 at 18:58, LoonsYouthTeam said:

Most important question, is McCoist confirmed as an ITV commentator?

........hopefully not commentating on Scotland games

[The Naitch]

On 12/12/2023 at 21:08, git-intae-thum said:

........hopefully not commentating on Scotland games

Absolutely nailed on he’ll be doing the Germany game for ITV.