BBC axe another iconic show after nearly 50 years

The BBC have axed their iconic show Ski Sunday after almost 50 years on air.

The programme was a key part of their sports offering throughout the winter months and was broadcast on Sunday afternoons.

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However, a recent revamp to the BBC’s programming in addition to cutbacks means Ski Sunday will no longer continue.

It follows the Women’s Football Show in being axed from the main channel with the WSL highlights show expected to be broadcast on their digital platforms.

The channel’s sports programming has recently been plunged into doubt with former Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson raising uncertainty over the show’s future.

Current Match of the Day contributor Alan Shearer also confirmed his intention to scale back his appearances on the show.

The decision to scrap Ski Sunday comes just six months after Zoe Atkin scooped Team GB’s second-ever skiing Winter Olympic medal.

A BBC statement read: “Following careful consideration, BBC Sport has decided to say farewell to Ski Sunday, ending a remarkable run over nearly five decades.

“Since its debut in 1978, Ski Sunday has become an iconic part of the winter sports calendar, bringing the excitement, drama and beauty of the action on the snow to audiences across the UK.

“Throughout its long run, the programme has played a key role in showcasing outstanding athletes and telling the biggest snow sport stories.

“The success and longevity of Ski Sunday is a testament to the extraordinary people who have worked on the programme throughout its history, both on screen and behind the scenes. 

“Their brilliance, passion, expertise and dedication have made the programme a trusted and much-loved destination for winter sports fans.

AFP

“Changing audience behaviours and the tough financial decisions needed to meet savings requirements mean BBC Sport must continually review how it delivers value for licence fee payers and serves audiences across all platforms. This decision forms part of that process.

“BBC Sport will continue to showcase the biggest winter sports moments, including at the Winter Olympics.”

Head of BBC Sport Events, Philip Bernie added: “Ski Sunday has been a truly iconic programme and a much-loved part of BBC Sport’s output for many years. 

“Generations of viewers have enjoyed its coverage of the best in winter sports.

“We are enormously proud of the role it has played in bringing these moments to audiences across the UK, and extremely grateful to the brilliant people who have delivered them, not least the current outstanding team.

“These decisions are never easy, but as audience viewing habits evolve and we work to deliver value for licence fee payers, we have to make tough choices. 

“We remain committed to bringing audiences the very best of winter sport, above all at the Winter Olympics, across BBC Sport’s platforms.”