27.1.13

NEW BBC SNOOKER PRESENTER

Jason Mohammad will replace Rishi Persad as the BBC’s second presenter at the World Championship as Persad is off to join Channel 4 Racing.

Mohammad, who will also be the new presenter of Final Score, hosts a daily show on BBC Radio Wales and is a regular presenter of rugby for the BBC.

He follows in a long line of BBC ‘second men.’

There was David Icke, who in the 1980s was David Vine’s able deputy and who nowadays believes the world is run by 12 foot shape-shifting reptiles.

There was Tony Gubba, a durable all rounder currently doing his best to make Dancing On Ice sound important.

There was Eamonn Holmes, now a well remunerated presenter of Sky News and ITV’s This Morning whenever Phil and Holly can’t be bothered.

There was Dougie Donnelly, probably the best of them all with a particular skill for interviewing. Dougie now travels the world commentating on golf.

There was Ray Stubbs, a solid BBC pro who started as a member of the production team and who now presents live football for ESPN.

There was Garry Richardson, sports presenter on Today whose yearly task at Wimbledon is to harass Andy Murray for an interview on the practice courts.

There was Matt Smith, now ITV’s no.2 football presenter.

When Vine retired in 2000, his place as main presenter was filled by Hazel Irvine, one of sports broadcasting's genuine professionals. However, not even Hazel can front every hour of coverage so Mohammad will make his debut at the Crucible.

It’s a harder job than it looks. What viewers don’t see, or more accurately hear, is the constant stream of noise coming down the presenter’s earpiece while they are on air. This is often irrelevant and frequently baffling but the trick is to take in the relevant information while still talking to camera or interviewing.

Vine was a master at making the whole thing seem perfectly natural but, like Irvine, all the work had been done before the programme began: research, double-checking facts, talking to the right people.

The Ortis Deley fiasco at Channel 4’s coverage of the World Athletics Championship in 2011 proves what happens when these basic procedures are not followed.

I don’t know Jason but I wish him good luck. They are long hours at the Crucible and there are some late nights but the snooker community always gives newcomers a warm welcome and he’ll find it a fun, if tiring, 17 days.

19 comments:

Janie Watkins said...

That's brilliant. Jason Mohammed is great presenter. Very good on BBC Wales.
Da Iawn. Go on The Taffs!!

Anonymous said...

What's the obsession with muslims?

Ryan said...

That is a real shame, I've always been a big fan of Rishi and was really happy when he was announced as Ray Stubbs' replacement.

So, his appearance fronting the World Bowls Final today must be his last appointment for the beeb then.

I have heard through the grapevine that unless the World Bowls viewing figures satisfied the BBC that they were going to drop it, following this years event.

Perhaps, Rishi knows something that we don't know...

Ryan

Anonymous said...

Good choice if he does his homework. Rishi never looked interested - although I think C4 racing already have far better presenters so don't see what he will bring. It would be good if the BBC used this to manoeuvre Hazel out as she makes the BBC's coverage look trite and dated

Anonymous said...

Rishi was one of the most blatant examples of positive discrimination I have ever seen; didn't know the sport, asked banal questions, and there were clearly better candidates! I have never seen this Jason chap in action, but if Janie rates him then that's good enough for me. Better than giving the job to another ex-player at any rate.

Colin M said...

Dave - you didn't fancy the job?!!


Anonymous said...

I fancied the job but didn't know there was a vacancy :)

Anonymous said...

We've seen some action...Rishi Persad...goodnight

jamie brannon said...

Colin Murray was touted so a little disappointed with this appointment.

Hope the bowls isn't going to be dropped, it is a much underrated sport, and Sunday's final was a classic. The BBC increased their network coverage this year.

Anonymous said...

Im afraid 7.08 is correct.BBC in particular does this often.There has to be a quota,someoen from every shade and sexuality.its so blatent.
Nothing against Rishi,good luck to they guy and to be fair,he did get better but at first,and for quite a long time it was painfully obvious he knew nothing about snooker...surely no good for a presenter of snooker.Sadly tho,the first requirement of the politically correct obssesed BBC is not knowledge of the sport!!

Anonymous said...

I am surprised John Parrot didn't go for it.

I agree about Hazel being professional - look at the 3 inch ring binder she has with her presumably stuffed with background info.

Anonymous said...

Well said Jamie. The match between Anderson and Foster was indeed a classic and the World Indoor Bowls is one of the highlights of the sporting year for me. I do hope the BBC do not drop it. I wonder who will replace Rishi on that? I think they can get someone much better as behind the scenes, he didn't show the slightest interest in what as going on on the rink, preferring to play on his mobile phone or laptop rather than watch the action.

Anonymous said...

Colin Murray? Do me a favour.

Trevor said...

Colin murray is a dose who would want to listen to him.

Anonymous said...

why does the BBC need a second presenter its not as if Hazel is rushed off her Feet.

BBC Coverage doesn't start until about 1pm.

in David Vine's time where they had Morning coverage of the World Championship there was a Point however for the Grand Prix and UK Championship David Vine did it on his own and David Icke did the Masters because David Vine was doing Ski Sunday at that time.

its just wasting license payers money on Wages when there's no need too.

Anonymous said...

The same Colin Murray that's just lost his job presenting motd 2, give over!

Anonymous said...

totally agree wiith Janie, Jason is a fantastic presenter here in Wales, and I can only wish him the best of luck, he will be a great addition.

Anonymous said...

I quite liked Colin Murray presenting the Black Ball Final documentary celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Davis vs Taylor in the 1985 World Snooker Championship final.

Gave the impression he was a fan of the sport at least unlike Rishi.

Anonymous said...

I have watched snooker live and on TV for many more years than I care to remember.......
Please tell me why modern players have such an obsession with sipping water - if there is a valid reason then please ask Editor to stop cutting to the players taking their chairs after each shot ....... it is becoming really boring