The BBC have announced that long-running football show Football Focus will be coming to an end after 52 years at the end of the season.
First broadcast in 1974, the show has been a staple of televised football ever since, but dwindling viewing figures has seen the channel scramble to try and keep it up to date and of interest.
The BBC are keen to now adapt how they bring football coverage to fans, with mobile and on-demand viewing on social media platforms increasing all the time.
This year, the broadcaster is set to invest in its digital output and content across all of its platforms, with ‘fresh formats, big personalities and more frequent, always-on content tailored for digital audiences’ presented.
It means presenter Alex Scott, who took over from Dan Walker as host of the show in 2021, will not longer be fronting the coverage too.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport said: ‘Football Focus has been a hugely important programme in the history of BBC Sport and has played a key role in telling the stories of the game for generations of viewers.
The BBC have announced that iconic football show Football Focus will come to an end at the end of the season
The show, which focuses on analysis and highlights of the game, has been fronted by Alex Scott (right) since 2021
‘This decision was made before last week’s wider BBC savings announcement, reflecting the continued shift in how audiences engage with football and our commitment to evolving how we deliver content to reach fans wherever they are.
‘Alex Scott is one of our finest presenters, is hugely popular across the men and women’s game and is a big part of our present and future. She will remain at the heart of our sports output across both the Men’s World Cup this year and the Women’s World Cup in 2027, as well as continuing her lead role on the Women’s Super League and BBC Sport Personality of the Year.
‘We are also working on a very exciting new project with her – more to come on that soon.’
Kay-Jelski was referring to last week’s announcement that the BBC are to cut up to 2,000 jobs in a bid to save money in what will be their biggest downsize in 15 years.
Staff were informed of the cuts on Wednesday last week, with around 10 per cent of employees to lose their jobs.
Turning 52 this season, the show was first part of Grandstand, with Sam Leitch presenting Football Preview until it was renamed Football Focus.
Bob Wilson became synonymous with the show, presenting it from 1974 and staying part of it for 20 years.
Other hosts have included Gary Lineker, Ray Stubbs and Manish Bhasin, with Scott the final presenter as television viewing figures continue to decline.
Dan Walker (left) was one of the previous hosts, which also includes Gary Lineker, until Scott took over
BBC Sport chief Alex Kay-Jelski insists the decision was made before last week’s announcement that up to 2,000 jobs will be cut at the corporation
The BBC have been keen to stress that The Football Interview, which sees some of the game’s biggest stars – including the likes of Bukayo Saka and Michael Carrick – sit down for an interview, will continue and be aired at mid-day on Saturdays.
Final Score will also start at an earlier time of 3:45pm, while Match of the Day will continue in its Saturday night and Sunday morning slots.
