Final whistle blows on Football Focus after more than 50 years on air
The BBC says Football Focus will be taken off air at the end of the season after more than 50 years.
The Saturday lunchtime program was first broadcast in 1974 but the corporation said in a press release that “changing audience behaviours” had prompted it to act.
The BBC’s head of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, said the decision had been made before last week’s announcement that it needed to make £500million worth of savings over the next two years.
“Football Focus has been a hugely important program in the history of BBC Sport and has played a key role in telling the stories of the game for generations of viewers,” Kay-Jelski said.
“This decision was made before last week’s wider BBC savings announcement, reflecting the continued shift in how audiences engage with football and our commitment to evolving how we deliver content to reach fans wherever they are.”
Kay-Jelski added that regular Football Focus presenter Alex Scott would “remain at the heart” of the BBC’s sport output, including its coverage of next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The BBC said The Football Interview would move into the Saturday 12.45pm slot from next season. This season, the program has featured interviews with Bukayo Saka, Emma Hayes, Bernardo Silva, Hugo Ekitike and Michael Carrick.
“Fans are accessing discussion, highlights, analysis and news through digital platforms and on-demand viewing and as viewing habits continue to evolve, it is right that BBC Sport adapts how it brings football coverage to the widest audiences across television, radio, online and to its extensive social platforms,” it stated.
“BBC Sport boasts a strong football rights portfolio and is set to significantly expand its digital output this year growing content across BBC platforms, as well as a bold new slate of exclusive shows on YouTube.
“Featuring fresh formats, big personalities and more frequent, always-on content tailored for digital audiences, the expansion will bring fans closer to the game than ever before delivering more high-quality, accessible and engaging football coverage at scale. We will release further details on these plans in the coming months.”
Former England and Arsenal striker Scott felt proud to have been associated with the show.
She wrote on Instagram: “52 years of an iconic football show.
“It’s a show that I’ll forever be honoured to be associated with and one that has made me grow as a presenter in a way I’ll always look back on with pride.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey, from the bottom of my heart it means so much. Time to get excited for big summer of sport ahead.”
Former Football Focus presenter Dan Walker felt it was “disappointing” there was no longer to be a space in football’s “constantly changing” landscape for a show which has “meant so much to so many people for so many years”.
Walker, who hosted show for 12 years, wrote on X: “Really sad to hear about the end of Football Focus. I loved that show growing up.
“I used to watch it every week with my dad and I remember how proud he was when I got the job. It was such a privilege to sit in the chair for 12 years, working with an amazing team on and off air and forming so many lasting friendships.
“Saturdays were always special. The football landscape is constantly changing and it’s disappointing that there isn’t space for a show that has meant so much to so many people for so many years.”