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JV
James Vertigan Founding member
JAS84 posted:


Already discussed in the Sport thread...
LL
Larry the Loafer
dvboy posted:
Might they do something on Saturday 3rd instead where it would be easier to schedule?


I'm pretty sure their 25th fell on a Friday.
BA
bilky asko
James Vertigan posted:
JAS84 posted:


Already discussed in the Sport thread...

Yes, those two posts of discussion were truly enthralling.

I think that getting rid of McCririck was a stupid decision, as he was (is) the face of racing on Channel 4.
JO
Jon
bilky asko posted:

I think that getting rid of McCririck was a stupid decision, as he was (is) the face of racing on Channel 4.

I think that's exactly why they're getting rid of him, I think they're trying to make the brand more sophisticated and upmarket. Although Channel 4 Racing seems to be more highly regarded than any BBC offering by racing fans, it's always seemed a bit scuffy round the edges compared to the polished BBC approach, due to dated graphics and the like. Maybe that was just an inbuilt bias I had as a kid growing up towards the Beeb. But I think the idea of having Balding and McCririck on the same programme just doesn't sit right, we know McCririck loves Ms Balding but I'm not sure she'd be a massive fan of what some might describe as a misogynist grump.
BA
bilky asko
Jon posted:
bilky asko posted:

I think that getting rid of McCririck was a stupid decision, as he was (is) the face of racing on Channel 4.

I think that's exactly why they're getting rid of him, I think they're trying to make the brand more sophisticated and upmarket. Although Channel 4 Racing seems to be more highly regarded than any BBC offering by racing fans, it's always seemed a bit scuffy round the edges compared to the polished BBC approach, due to dated graphics and the like. Maybe that was just an inbuilt bias I had as a kid growing up towards the Beeb. But I think the idea of having Balding and McCririck on the same programme just doesn't sit right, we know McCririck loves Ms Balding but I'm not sure she'd be a massive fan of what some might describe as a misogynist grump.

It would be the ultimate comedy duo, and we all know Channel 4 loves a bit of comedy.
BR
Brekkie
Jon posted:
bilky asko posted:

I think that getting rid of McCririck was a stupid decision, as he was (is) the face of racing on Channel 4.

I think that's exactly why they're getting rid of him, I think they're trying to make the brand more sophisticated and upmarket. Although Channel 4 Racing seems to be more highly regarded than any BBC offering by racing fans, it's always seemed a bit scuffy round the edges compared to the polished BBC approach, due to dated graphics and the like. Maybe that was just an inbuilt bias I had as a kid growing up towards the Beeb. But I think the idea of having Balding and McCririck on the same programme just doesn't sit right, we know McCririck loves Ms Balding but I'm not sure she'd be a massive fan of what some might describe as a misogynist grump.

God, I wouldn't say C4 graphics are dated - quite the opposite in fact especially in comparison to the BBC, though the latest package isn't as nice as the one before it.

They've been downsizing his role for years though so it's no surprise he wasn't re-employed by the new supplier of the contract (C4 haven't technically axed him, it's more a case of his employer lost the contract and he hasn't managed to get a job with the new contract holder). In these days of bland, bland, bland though it's a shame to lose such a big character whether you like him or not, and I hope that C4 Racing doesn't become yet another BBC-lite style production which seems to be Jay Hunt's approach to C4.
JO
Jon
Brekkie posted:

God, I wouldn't say C4 graphics are dated - quite the opposite in fact especially in comparison to the BBC, though the latest package isn't as nice as the one before it.

I was talking more historically and my perception as a child, certainly before the period it became Channel 4 At The Races.

I think the current graphics are great.
Last edited by Jon on 27 October 2012 2:20pm
BR
Brekkie
I think a lot has changed since then, especially in the last 3-4 years when C4 have been covering racing week in week out while the BBC only cover 13 days a year (about half a dozen events).
DO
dosxuk
Brekkie posted:
(C4 haven't technically axed him, it's more a case of his employer lost the contract and he hasn't managed to get a job with the new contract holder).


McCririck was contracted to C4, not Highflyer, in common with many TV 'personalities'.
:-(
A former member
Just Mentioned its Ch4 30th Birthday., Is that it?
LL
Larry the Loafer
The trailer for Channel 4 News has said there's an item about their 30th birthday. At least there's something...
JO
Jonny
Apparently so...
http://guardian.co.uk/media/2012/nov/02/channel-4-turning-30

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