Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United away-game coverage could be axed in BBC cost-cutting measures
Away-game commentary could change
The BBC have distanced themselves from reports that away day football coverage for Sheffield teams will be axed as part of cost-cutting measures.
The plans, reported by the Norwich Evening News, could see BBC local radio stations stop sending their own commentary teams to away matches, something the BBC have denied.
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Instead, supporters could hear coverage provided by the BBC station in the area where the match is being played.
If applied to Radio Sheffield, the changes could mean Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday fans no longer hearing familiar voices such as Adam Oxley, Andy Giddings and Rob Staton when their team is on the road.
The proposals are being discussed as the BBC looks to make £500m in savings over the next two years.
The BBC have strongly denied this will be the case going forward, saying: “Home and away game commentary, analysis and coverage will continue at BBC Radio Sheffield.”
Radio Sheffield currently provides dedicated coverage of Sheffield’s football clubs, with its commentary teams travelling to away fixtures to report on the action and provide analysis for listeners unable to attend.
The prospect of instead having to listen to commentary from the opposition’s local BBC station could prove unpopular with supporters.
The proposals come as the BBC continues to make cuts to its sports coverage, with programmes including Football Focus having already been axed.
A BBC spokesman told Norwich Evening News that no decision had been made on the cost-saving measures.
They said the corporation was looking at ways to reduce duplication.
The spokesperson said: “We are looking at ways to reduce duplication and showcase more of our Local commentary teams across the BBC, but no decisions have been made.
"Any updates will be announced in due course.”
A BBC spokesperson told The Star: “This is not true. Home and away game commentary, analysis and coverage will continue at BBC Radio Sheffield. We are looking at ways to reduce duplication and showcase more of our Local commentary teams across the BBC, but no decisions have been made. Any updates will be announced in due course.”