The BBC were horrific for RL, until Sky showed up.
The only full live 80 mins games we would get in the 1980's, would be the CCF and Test Matches. The remainder of their "coverage" would be a 5 mins highlights package of the first half, and live feed of the second. No interviews or highlights after the game, straight back to Des Lynam (who's HATE for RL couldn't have been more obvious) or Steve Ryder, who always looked like he'd rather be elsewhere.
As soon as Sky arrived, the Beeb's approach to our game improved, apart from the dropping of Alex Murphy as co-commentator, for a dull Aussie....Ross Strudwick, anyone?
As for coverage in the last few years, it's almost been a breath of fresh air. Despite obvious problems, Claire Balding always gave 100% interest, and Mark Chapman isn't too bad. Dave Woods is a good commentator, and I will watch the analysis on the Beeb, as there tends to be no real bias shown, unlike some Sports Broadcasters. The only thing I'd change, is the bringing back of Ray French. Not as a commentator (God forbid) but as an analyst. He's forgotten more in 5 minutea, than some on RL Fans will, in a lifetime. He would still do a job.
The only thing that still makes my pooh itch, is the way the Beeb's sports desks treat our game. Breakfast's coverage of Friday's gripping match, was Gidley's penalty. That's it. No tries, just a pen. Pee poor. Should we make their national bulletins, it's always a negative story. Sad, really.
In short, their coverage of our game over the last 30odd years, is comparable to Skoda cars,in the same timeline. Gone from appalling, to better than acceptable.
