The BBC has confirmed that Football Focus has been axed after more than 50 years on air, with the corporation citing changing audience behaviours and viewing habits
The BBC have announced Football Focus will be axed from television, after more than 50 years gracing our screens. A statement was issued confirming the popular Saturday afternoon football programme will be pulled from the schedules.
In a statement, the BBC wrote: “Following extensive consideration, BBC Sport has decided to say goodbye to Football Focus at the end of this season. First broadcast in 1974, Football Focus is a testament to the brilliant team who have worked on it over the years and, of course, the audience.
“The programme has been a staple of the BBC’s football coverage for decades, providing fans with interviews, analysis and stories from across the game ahead of the weekend’s fixtures.
“But changing audience behaviours mean fans are now increasingly consuming football content in different ways and we need to respond appropriately as we face difficult decisions around how the licence fee is spent.
“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.
“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.
“Football Focus is currently fronted by the brilliant Alex Scott, who will remain at the heart of BBC Sport’s football coverage and biggest sporting moments.
“”Alex will play a key role across this year’s FIFA World Cup, the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and BBC Sport’s ongoing coverage of the Women’s Super League. S
“he will also once again serve as one of this year’s hosts of the BBC Sport Personality of the Year Awards, with more new and exciting projects with Alex due to be announced in the coming months,” reports the Mirror.