BBC move iconic Wimbledon show to graveyard slot after Emma Raducanu snub
The BBC has again come under fire after moving their iconic Today at Wimbledon programme to 11.55pm - the decision coming not long after they failed to show Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter in action at Queen's.
The traditional highlights programme for each day's play has generally aired at either 8pm or 9pm on BBC2, but it will now get shoved back several hours to a very unsociable time slot that will suit few viewers. Previously it had been in a prime time slot.
The switch is not a one-off to suit their coverage with the Telegraph reporting that it has a new permanent home in the five to midnight slot. Next Monday's 8pm-10.30pm time slot will see them include repeats of Your Garden Made Perfect, The Pembrokeshire Coast: A Wild Year, and Upstart Crow.
A BBC spokesperson claimed that Today at Wimbledon would still be shown at its traditional time on iPlayer, while describing the television broadcast as a 'repeat'.
It will alienate viewers, especially those in remote areas, who may not have access to iPlayer or the BBC website. Today at Wimbledon has often been the only way some fans can catch up on that day's play.
It comes after the broadcaster's tennis coverage came under fire when they twice failed to show Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter in the doubles at Queen's. The British pair were beaten in the quarter-final against Lyudmyla Kichenok and Erin Routliffe at the London-based tournament.
However that match, as well as their earlier win, were not shown with BBC2 instead showing two-year-old editions of Homes Under The Hammer and Bargain Hunt. The majority of the match coverage wasn't even available on the website despite them receiving complaints for not showing their early win against Wu Fang-hsien and Jiang Xinyu.
There will be a number of Brits in contention at Wimbledon, which will only heighten interest with fans potentially frustrated at BBC's coverage. Jack Draper has moved up the rankings after his showing at Queen's and is among the top four seeds, giving him an easier route to the semi-finals.
Raducanu is again the British No 1 and will hope to embark on an impressive run in front of her home crowd. She's previously received huge backing at SW19 whilst Boulter too is in contention.
Raducanu, winner of the US Open four years ago, has confirmed that she will continue working with Andy Murray 's former coach Mark Petchey as well as childhood coach Nick Cavaday.
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