BBC hits back at criticism aimed at Tokyo Olympics presenters: ‘We are proud of the range of talent’

The BBC is proud of its Olympics presenting squad (Picture: BBC)

The BBC has fiercely defended its Tokyo Olympics 2020 commentary, presenting and punditry after a barrage of complaints from viewers.

No sooner than the corporation had been forced once again to address its ‘shambolic’ output, another statement was released expressing pride in the team behind the Games on the channel.

‘Our Olympics coverage is watched by a very diverse audience, each with differing views and opinions, and for that reason we aim to reflect those across our programmes,’ it began.

‘We believe we’ve put together a very strong line-up of presenters, pundits, and commentators. Our presenting team includes Gabby Logan, Clare Balding, Jason Mohammad, and Hazel Irvine, each with a wealth of experience of covering former Olympic Games, alongside a variety of other broadcasters and former sportspeople.

‘Our presenters are joined by an expert team of pundits and commentators, including Michael Johnson and Team GB legends Chris Hoy, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Colin Jackson, Nicola Adams, Mark Foster, Rebecca Adlington, Katherine Grainger, Kate Richardson-Walsh and many more.’

The statement concluded: ‘We appreciate that not everyone will enjoy every one of our presenters, pundits, or commentators, but we are proud of the range of talent and expertise our Olympics 2020 team bring to our coverage.’

Some viewers voiced their dismay at the commentary online, with one writing: ‘Just my personal opinion but there feels like there is an excessive amount of punditry on BBC Olympics especially when so much actual sport available to broadcast.’

But not everyone was disappointed, with another praising the BBC for its efforts.

‘The commentary and punditry from the BBC for the Olympics has been fantastic,’ they wrote.

On Monday, the BBC apologised after the live feed of the gymnastics cut out.

Former Team GB gymnast Craig Heap and former The One Show host Matt Baker were commentating on the men’s gymnastics team final, with the broadcast coming live from the Ariake Centre in Tokyo. 

More: BBC

Unfortunately, Craig and Matt were hit with a slew of technical difficulties that saw the feed repeatedly losing the signal.

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