[indianstory]

So, 9 races in, almost halfway, lets compare BBC v Sky.

First of all I must say it is absolutely fantastic that we have TWO channels with F1 here in the UK. I have Sky so it didn’t affect me as much as some others when the deal was announced last year.

Picture/Sound quality (HD): Sky > BBC. As Dave B has alluded to in another thread, the Silverstone roar was much more audible on Sky (and I was at the GP, it was loud!) whereas BBC you couldn’t quite hear it.
Special features: BBC > Sky. Quite a close one, but the BBC’s relaxed manner wins out, my fave being Jenson & Lewis trying to do their jobs!
Overall channel/additional input: Sky > BBC. A dedicated channel has been a godsend. Old races, season reviews, special features, support races, legends interviews, additional coverage and multiple chances to watch highlights give Sky a big thumbs up. The F1 forum is excellent and the BBC do a good job with what they have, but with the resources of a dedicated channel, Sky wins out.

On to the teams:

Humphrey vs Lazenby: BBC > Sky. Jake has a comfortable edge, Lazenby at times is cringeworthy such as in Barcelona when the pit fire happened, he was just reeling off speculative events “we’ve just heard that a man came out with his legs on fire” is something that should be not be said by a sports presenter. Decent effort from Sky, but Lazenby needs to improve.
DC/EJ vs DH/JH: BBC > Sky. Quite comfortably DC & EJ as the analysers to Jake, Damon is not bad but Johnny Herbert is poor and reminds me too much of Blundell. If I was Sky, I would work hard to persuade Jacques Villeneuve to come on permanently, as he is the “says what he thinks” character they need.
Croft vs Edwards Sky > BBC. I am surprised by this as I didn’t like Croft prior to this seasn, but he sounds more natural as lead commentator of F1 to me, Ben a close second, vast improvement over Legard /Allen!
Brundle vs Coulthard. Sky > BBC. Brundle makes me watch the Sky coverage during the race, he is still fantastic at his job. DC isn’t bad, but he just isn’t quick enough to read a race like Brundle does, with his dry wit along the way.
McKenzie vs Pinkham. BBC > Sky. Quite easily McKenzie. I like to see women in F1, but they need to not play up to a stereotype of “flirty attitude” towards F1 drivers. Lee McKenzie is fantastic at not doing that while still getting the information out of the drivers. Pinkham flirts uncomfortably, especially with Paul di Resta.
Anderson vs Kravitz. BBC > Sky. A close one, Kravtiz hasn’t done much wrong, but Anderson’s technical knowledge is second to none.

Georgie Thompson/Anthony Davidson – not real point in them being there, they do not add anything to the coverage. Davidson, along with McNish and Chandhok, represents a dedicedly average F1 driver judging much better drivers.

Overall then

BBC 5 Sky 4 - A very close call!

What does everybody else think?

[Gazeboss]

I'll take your points one at a time:

So, 9 races in, almost halfway, lets compare BBC v Sky.

Ok then

First of all I must say it is absolutely fantastic that we have TWO channels with F1 here in the UK. I have Sky so it didn’t affect me as much as some others when the deal was announced last year. I agree, competition usually drives up standards. I already had Sky but had knocked the HD pack on the head, but I reinstated it (at a hefty discount!) to get the F1 channel.

Picture/Sound quality (HD): Sky > BBC. As Dave B has alluded to in another thread, the Silverstone roar was much more audible on Sky (and I was at the GP, it was loud!) whereas BBC you couldn’t quite hear it. As you'd expect, I agree. Sky knocks the Beeb's quality out of the park, although the BBC have recently made some small improvements to their picture quality ready for the Olympics. The interactive features on Sky are head and shoulders above the BBC's, which in turn were far better than anything ITV ever attempted.

Special features: BBC > Sky. Quite a close one, but the BBC’s relaxed manner wins out, my fave being Jenson & Lewis trying to do their jobs! I tend to agree. Sky's build-ups, while massively long, often contain a lot of filler. The Beeb's experience in this - and programme making in general - shows.

Overall channel/additional input: Sky > BBC. A dedicated channel has been a godsend. Old races, season reviews, special features, support races, legends interviews, additional coverage and multiple chances to watch highlights give Sky a big thumbs up. The F1 forum is excellent and the BBC do a good job with what they have, but with the resources of a dedicated channel, Sky wins out. Again agreed. That said the BBC's Silverstone forum was simply phenomenal.


On to the teams:

Humphrey vs Lazenby: BBC > Sky. Jake has a comfortable edge, Lazenby at times is cringeworthy such as in Barcelona when the pit fire happened, he was just reeling off speculative events “we’ve just heard that a man came out with his legs on fire” is something that should be not be said by a sports presenter. Decent effort from Sky, but Lazenby needs to improve. Or indeed his poor attempt at a Princess Grace joke in Monaco, or the panic in his eyes when they go off-plan. Jake is one of the best presenters the BBC has got, full stop, and his experience with live telly (including kids') is an obvious asset.

DC/EJ vs DH/JH: BBC > Sky. Quite comfortably DC & EJ as the analysers to Jake, Damon is not bad but Johnny Herbert is poor and reminds me too much of Blundell. If I was Sky, I would work hard to persuade Jacques Villeneuve to come on permanently, as he is the “says what he thinks” character they need. I disagree on that one, I think that while Coulthard has relaxed into the job EJ is becoming more of a knobhead. Hill was wooden as the New Forest when he started but now has a natural rhythm on camera, and guests like Herbert or Allan McNish have proven inspired choices.

Croft vs Edwards Sky > BBC. I am surprised by this as I didn’t like Croft prior to this seasn, but he sounds more natural as lead commentator of F1 to me, Ben a close second, vast improvement over Legard /Allen! I worshiped Ben's touring car commentary but for me he doesn't seem to have brought that quiet confidence with him to F1. I know he's called it before, but there seem to be a few too many basic errors and he does occasionally get a bit flustered during busy periods such as the start. He's still phenomenally good, a country mile better than Legard, but Croft just about edges it for me.

Brundle vs Coulthard. Sky > BBC. Brundle makes me watch the Sky coverage during the race, he is still fantastic at his job. DC isn’t bad, but he just isn’t quick enough to read a race like Brundle does, with his dry wit along the way. Agreed again. DC has really stepped up but Brundle is authoritative, precise, and notices tiny details that many others miss.

McKenzie vs Pinkham. BBC > Sky. Quite easily McKenzie. I like to see women in F1, but they need to not play up to a stereotype of “flirty attitude” towards F1 drivers. Lee McKenzie is fantastic at not doing that while still getting the information out of the drivers. Pinkham flirts uncomfortably, especially with Paul di Resta. Pinkham is simply awful. I keep expecting questions like "what's your star sign" and "what's your favourite colour". It appears from what we see on screen that the drivers repect McKenzie a lot more - she's been a motorsport journo for years and has earned her stripes in less glamorous formulae, meeting many of the drivers on the way.

Anderson vs Kravitz. BBC > Sky. A close one, Kravtiz hasn’t done much wrong, but Anderson’s technical knowledge is second to none. Apples and oranges. Kravitz is superb at analysis and tactics, Anderson is superb at technical detail. It's a shame we can't merge them and make one supernerd!

Georgie Thompson/Anthony Davidson – not real point in them being there, they do not add anything to the coverage. Davidson, along with McNish and Chandhok, represents a dedicedly average F1 driver judging much better drivers. I like Ant, but the whole SkyPad idea is a little daft. They'd be better off getting the paddock guys to talk about the action rather than relying on gimmickry. That said, some of the "Hawkeye" style views give a good insight into incidents. Thompson herself adds nothing of value to any programme she's ever been on, and to be honest it jars a little that they've given the F1 gig to someone still serving a ban for drink-driving.

Overall then

BBC 5 Sky 4 - A very close call!

What does everybody else think? I think you've pretty much nailed it except that I'd put the scores the other way round with Sky marginally ahead of the BBC.

[Asianunta]

Depending how fussy you are over sound/picture quality then BBC wins it on presentation alone.

I'm surprised how awful Natalie Pinkham is because she was solid on 5Live as pit reporter. She's become more Beverly Turner than Louise Goodman - at Sky's behest it seems.

DC feels too gangly and awkward during the grid walks especially as he struggles for ad hoc interviews. Brundle was the uber professional: time to scrape the barrel with the likes of D-list celebs to fill time.

[Aagotiq]

I'll be honest I find it very difficult to enjoy the Sky coverage when I do have to watch it and have only resorted to watching 2 live Sky races this year. I'm still very angry the deal was done with a satelite channel and I don't think my feelings on that will ever change. Having a dedicated F1 channel is great in theory and I'm sure you guys who have it and have paid for it are very happy, but I know a fair few F1 fans who are concerned the whole coverage will end up on Sky which will knock its popularity in the UK and I can't help but think thats bad for the sport. My gripe is I can't record the non BBC races and watch them later. I'm not bothered about watching the races completely live because I often have better things to do in the day on a Sunday but I used to enjoy setting the box to record and watch the race when I get in in the evening. I can only do that for a limited number of races this year and I've missed alot of the action. Trying to argue points on here with people who have watched the race and myself who has read articles at certain points is interesting, but it would be nice to see the race before I discuss it. The highlights on the Beeb are very good and you don't feel they are rushed or shortened when you watch them, but its clear they miss certain things and following strategy is often difficult when 4 laps are jumped.

From what I have seen I would say Sky are doing ok. I'll believe you guys when you say the quality is close between the two and I am very happy with the qualiity on the Beeb and the team are very good IMO. I like EJ alot more this year and feel he adds a relaxed feel to the proceedings and is genuinely a nice guy I think. DC and Edwards have gelled well together and dare I say that I haven't missed Brundle as much as I expected to do. Gary Anderson is brilliant with his technical input and strategy calls which more often than not appear to be spot on. Lee is excellent and always has been but I do fancy the knickers off the woman so thats probably influencing me there. The teams seem to be close to the Beeb and at Monaco we saw them getting preference over the chaps at Sky, but then again its the most watched race of the year and the Beeb have the lions share of the viewers.

I'm not a happy fan this year and can't agree having two channels showing races in the UK is good for the fans because overall its not. Read a lovely article in the Guardian the other day that obviously hasn't been influenced by the Beeb at all concerning the saving they made by cutting their deal. A reported £150m was saved in the 'controversial deal' and this has been gut wrenching for the producers at the Beeb. On a lighter note though they are pumping all their resources into the Olympics to bring us the best coverage ever apparently. I hate the Olympics lol, but appreciate the rest of the country are going to get very excited about it and the money is best shifted to cover that. I'll be avoiding as much of it as I can. Happy days

PS: I also think this forum is a lot quieter than is used to be and I think this deal has gasd a lot to do with that. Posters like 'Sonic' have walked away from F1 and haven't been seen for nearly a year now and most of the threads are made up of 5 or 6 posters when they used to up to 20 posters debating at once. Just an observation.

[vekiuytyh]

PS: I also think this forum is a lot quieter than is used to be and I think this deal has gasd a lot to do with that. Posters like 'Sonic' have walked away from F1 and haven't been seen for nearly a year now and most of the threads are made up of 5 or 6 posters when they used to up to 20 posters debating at once. Just an observation.

I think the split from motorsport.com has also made a difference to the level of forum activity.

[Khcyhshq]

I haven't watched a minute of the Sky coverage this year, and haven't really felt like I've missed out. I think that says it all, 9-0 to the BBC in my eyes!

[Cibirrigmavog]

Yeah I agree about Lee MacKenzie. There's something about the way she DOESN'T flirt that makes her classy. She also doesn't overcompensate and become too anal and serious (like I feel Karren Brady on the Apprentice does a little bit, incidentally, but anyway...)
- in short she is perfect, so much respect to her. And yes, she does also happen to be very attractive. The fact she doesn't seem to "know" this or use it in any way is very worthy of respect.

Jake is just brilliant - very talented and makes it look easy. Whatever curve-ball situation is thrown at him, he always handles it naturally and brilliantly. I didn't really know who he was before seeing him on F1, but I hear that maybe he was maybe trying to overcompensate in the beginning to lose the tag of kids presenter (i.e. not serious enough). I think he's just fine as he is.

DC has done very well and for me shows improvement all the time. He does just fine in the commentary box and I don't feel he's out of place at all. Yeah I admit the grid walks are maybe a little more awkward than Brundle's (I've only seen one!) but this can come. All in all, if someone had told me 10 years ago that Coulthard would be doing a central commentary and pundit role, and be doing so very competently, I would have been shocked, for during his McLaren days, he always seemed very uptight, wooden and monotonous.

I now blame much of this on Ron Dennis and his neurotic ways, cos when David moved to Red Bull, he seemed to become a new man and loosened up brilliantly.

I like EJ, especially when he questions team bosses, especially Christian Horner. It's always a laugh. OMGosh when he suggested to Christian Horner he was being insincere when he congratulated Mark Webber for winning Silverstone 2010, that was a priceless moment. The sad thing is, I never SAW that...

[theatadug]

Usually watch it on Sky but have watched a couple of races on the Beeb. I've thoroughly enjoyed both and found them pretty closely matched with Sky maybe just edging it thanks to Brundles excellent input.

[durootrium]

Davidson, along with McNish and Chandhok, represents a dedicedly average F1 driver judging much better drivers.

This is the only point with which I'd take issue. It's very unlikely that a broadcaster is going to find a really good F1 driver who can broadcast well. I don't think it matters a jot — after all, I don't have a problem with you or anyone else judging the abilities of the respective Sky and BBC broadcasters without being a broadcaster yourself.

[crumoursegemo]

I've watched quite of lot of Sky coverage this year (don't ask me how) and the thing that strikes me is that Johnny Herbert and Damon Hill really have nothing to say. They seem to search for words all the time and don't bring anything to the broadcasts.

[hellencomstar]

I've watched quite of lot of Sky coverage this year (don't ask me how) and the thing that strikes me is that Johnny Herbert and Damon Hill really have nothing to say. They seem to search for words all the time and don't bring anything to the broadcasts.

I haven't seen Sky's coverage at all yet, but it does surprise me how anyone could think of Johnny Herbert as a broadcaster. It was the same with Mark Blundell. Hill's apparent lack of success in his role surprises me far more.

[nretdjuend]

I have only watched Sky this year. As I am a big fan of Martin Brundle and enjoyed his efforts on ITV and BBC, and wanted to follow him and their full coverage.

That said I do think its pretty even. I have watched Sky this year but am not bias one way or the other, beacuse ultimately I would have prefered F1 on BBC only like last year.

-Pre & Post Race = BBC hands down if its anything like last years anyway. 1-0 Beeb

- Race coverage generally = Sky. Like Croft and Brundle. 1-1

-Humphrey v Lazenby = Jake hands down. He is a natural. 2-1 Beeb.

-Hill & Hebert v EJ & DC = BBC. Haven't seen DC & EJ this year and despite liking Hill & Herbert the Beeb is better here. 3-1 Beeb

-Croft v Edwards = A tie. For me I haven't heard Ben this time, but did last time round and its very close. Beeb 3.5-1.5

-Brundle v DC = Sky. Brundle has a better way of reading and presenting F1. His gridwalks are legendry and he is naturally funny. Beeb 3.5-2.5

-Ted v Gary = Another tie. Gary clearly is superior in tech knowledge, but Ted knows strategy and is slightly more natural. Beeb 4-3

-McKenzie v Pinkham = BBC. Lee is just better. Beeb 5-3.

-F1 extras = Sky. The whole channel allows great old races, although they could still do more. Leave live feed running between sessions. BBC 5-4

Similar to alot of people. I just give it to BBC. However I will go on watching Sky. (Until the day they start putting ads back in(Can't be long))

[clapsoewmred]

On the subject of Ben Edwards, here, just for the hell of it, is some footage of him competing in Formula First in 1987. Some other familiar names here too, and a splendid roll-neck sweater and striped blazer combo on the estimable Chris Goffey.

BBC top gear classic last episode from 1987 - YouTube

[HaremShaih]

Sky Sports have a free weekend and we are watching it but would watch BBC everytime. Thought it very amusing when the BBC cameras zoomed into the Sky team at Monaco and JH apologised (very insincerely). We need information and not personalities while watching Formula 1 and Gary Anderson is wonderful at all things technical and I believe it should be 9-0 to the BBC as well.

[engideNedmupe]

-Ted v Gary = Another tie. Gary clearly is superior in tech knowledge, but Ted knows strategy and is slightly more natural. Beeb 4-3

I don't agree with the bolded part at all. Gary is far superior calling strategy and the fact he's got it spot on on numerous ocassions puts Ted in the shade IMO. Ted is better at presenting than Gary and puts himself across alot better I think.


Having watched the highlights today on the Beeb I have to lift my hat to them. It was so well put together I didn't notice it was highlights at all, and I felt I had watched the entire race. The race itself was pretty damn dull in terms of action but I enjoyed the coverage all the same.

One plus point of the highlights is the quick build up. No fuss, no fillers, just a few interviews and straight to the race. Its meant I have not spend my entire afternoon infront of the TV and for once I have enjoyed what has been offered.

[naturaherbal]

I don't agree with the bolded part at all. Gary is far superior calling strategy and the fact he's got it spot on on numerous ocassions puts Ted in the shade IMO. Ted is better at presenting than Gary and puts himself across alot better I think.


Having watched the highlights today on the Beeb I have to lift my hat to them. It was so well put together I didn't notice it was highlights at all, and I felt I had watched the entire race. The race itself was pretty damn dull in terms of action but I enjoyed the coverage all the same.

One plus point of the highlights is the quick build up. No fuss, no fillers, just a few interviews and straight to the race. Its meant I have not spend my entire afternoon infront of the TV and for once I have enjoyed what has been offered.

You don't agree with me about Ted. Fair point and the radio on BBC I have heard Gary is great.

I must say I don't agree about the race. The first half was full of battling and passing. The second half was more static, but the epic racing by those top 3 was great.
I enjoyed it very much.

[Kamendoriks]

I must say I don't agree about the race. The first half was full of battling and passing. The second half was more static, but the epic racing by those top 3 was great. I enjoyed it very much.

I think we were robbed of the battle between Alonso, Vettel and Hamilton after Lewis picked up that puncture. I suppose I lost interest with alot of the race after that and was in and out of the room. I feel you need to be interested to enjoy it and it was over for me on lap 2 pretty much. The coverage was excellent though and can't fault that.

[bgsavings]

I think we were robbed of the battle between Alonso, Vettel and Hamilton after Lewis picked up that puncture. I suppose I lost interest with alot of the race after that and was in and out of the room. I feel you need to be interested to enjoy it and it was over for me on lap 2 pretty much. The coverage was excellent though and can't fault that.

Only Hamilton was out of the running. Doesn't matter whos racing that hard. It is still great F1.

I like Hamilton and Button and most other drivers.

I just love to see F1 competative. And for me this was one of the better races this season.

[elapicearpisp]

Only Hamilton was out of the running. Doesn't matter whos racing that hard. It is still great F1.

I like Hamilton and Button and most other drivers.

I just love to see F1 competative. And for me this was one of the better races this season.

I agree, thats why I watched the race being an F1 fan.

[VottCetaVeivE]

I've watched quite of lot of Sky coverage this year (don't ask me how) and the thing that strikes me is that Johnny Herbert and Damon Hill really have nothing to say. They seem to search for words all the time and don't bring anything to the broadcasts.

Johnny Herbert is pretty good. Brings the all important enthusiasm to punditry.

Damon Hill is like a well spoken Mark Blundell. Doesn't really add much.

This is the only point with which I'd take issue. It's very unlikely that a broadcaster is going to find a really good F1 driver who can broadcast well. I don't think it matters a jot — after all, I don't have a problem with you or anyone else judging the abilities of the respective Sky and BBC broadcasters without being a broadcaster yourself.

Firstly, who can not warm to Chandok? June's audio podcast with Karun Chandhok - Formula 1 - Motor Sport Magazine

Do you need a glittering CV to be great a analyst? In football some of the great coaches/managers were average footballer.

Plenty of average drivers have become terrific commentators such as: Charley Cox - nobody driver to commentating legend; Neil Crompton - average Touring Car driver but made a name of himself as the authoritative voice of Aussie Touring Cars/V8s; Sam Posey in America who initially impart wisdom on Indycar and went on to be picked up for the Tour De France and Olympics coverage.

The key is having punditry and broadcasting skills.