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Friday, August 10, 2012


 STEADY ON, CHAPS..

I see that the BBC`s top executives, who we seldom see or hear from, are concerned that the reporters, commentators and newsreaders might be in danger of upsetting some people by their over-enthusiastic presentation of British successes in the Olympic Games.   Just who might be upset about this is uncertain, but it sure ain`t the home audience who, after all, are paying for the BBC.  

Seems to me that these top executives are more concerned not to elicit criticism than they are to accurately reflect the nation`s pride not only in the staging of the Games but also the achievements of Team GB.   In a sense, they seem almost as out of touch with the realities of `ordinary` people than politicians, who also live in their own gilded cage of remote privilege and assumed entitlement at public expense.

So, I have chosen the above image of Chris Boardman and Hugh Porter to illustrate the sheer excellence of commentating that has added so much to the enjoyment of our television viewing.   These two are cycling champions in their own right.   They know what they`re talking about, they`ve been there and done it.   So it`s no wonder that they get more than a little excited when they are covering the breathtaking performances of Hoy, Pendleton, Trott, Wiggins, Kenny and the rest of their pedalling chums.   These two provided measured, professional insight allied with huge enthusiasm for what they were witnessing which helped us all to appreciate it all the more.

And the last thing they and their presenting and commentating colleagues need is to be told to steady on, curb their natural instincts and spare a thought for the other nations of the world who might not be as fortunate as we are.   Some hope.   It`s just not in their nature.   And surely when we genuinely have cause to take pride in what has been achieved at London 2012, then they and we should be able to celebrate these magical days before winter sets in once more without worrying too much about the sensitivities of people in high places who should have better things to do.



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