Sports scoreboards received 'too much' BBC airtime
While sports scoreboards were working overtime last weekend, the BBC has been criticised for putting too much emphasis on sports programming.
More than 100 viewers complained to the corporation after it broadcast nearly 12 hours of continuous sporting events last Saturday.
Scheduling for BBC One included Football Focus at 12 noon, followed by three Six Nation rugby union matches and ending with Match of the Day at 11.40pm.
The sports-heavy schedule angered some viewers, with one writing on the BBC message board: "I am furious. Sport in the morning, Sport in the afternoon and now. Sport in the evening on Saturday night!!!!!"
The BBC responded, saying it was "sorry that some viewers felt the BBC One schedule ...contained too much sport."
"This weekend in particular was very exciting for Rugby, with the BBC playing host to three Six Nations matches.
"We realise that not everyone enjoys watching sport but there is undeniably a large section of our audience who do and as a public service broadcaster, we are obligated to cater for them as and when we can."
A combined total of 15 million people tuned in to the three Six Nations matches on Saturday afternoon and evening.
Thursday, 28th February 2008
