sport news Commonwealth Games expected to attract 35M viewers on BBC with 12 events ... trends now

sport news Commonwealth Games expected to attract 35M viewers on BBC with 12 events ... trends now
sport news Commonwealth Games expected to attract 35M viewers on BBC with 12 events ... trends now

sport news Commonwealth Games expected to attract 35M viewers on BBC with 12 events ... trends now

More than 35 million people – just over half of the UK population – are set to watch the BBC’s coverage of the Commonwealth Games, when the event opens in Birmingham later this month.

The 22nd Games will see 6,500 athletes competing and the broadcaster plans over 200 hours of live coverage and 11 live streams via its digital platforms.

It comes after the BBC was heavily criticised for its 'pitiful' coverage of the Tokyo Olympics, when it could only offer two live events at one time.

Heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson is defending her title at the Commonwealth Games

Heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson is defending her title at the Commonwealth Games

The Director General of the corporation, Tim Davie, said the BBC will be on ‘full power’ for the 11 days of competition, with large chunks of the organisation relocating to Birmingham for the duration of the sporting festival, which opens on July 28.

The commentary teams will also include a host of locals, including heptathlete Denise Lewis, who trained from childhood at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium, five-time Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds from Walsall and former England netball team captain, Ama Agbeze, from Selly Oak, whose side beat Australia down under to claim gold four years ago.

Among other star names in the commentary box will be gymnast Max Whitlock as he delays his return to competitive action following his success at the Olympics last summer. 

The last Commonwealth Games on home soil were in Glasgow in 2014 and the BBC anticipates it will at least match the figures for that competition, albeit with viewers spread across more digital channels.

The Birmingham Games will award more medals to women than men for the first time in its history. The introduction of women's T20 cricket will contribute toa  total of 136 medal events for women, as opposed to 134 for men.

Dina Asher-Smith celebrates with her flag after winning bronze in the Women's 200m Final at the Carrara Stadium during day eight of the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast

Dina Asher-Smith celebrates with her flag after winning bronze in the Women's 200m Final at the Carrara Stadium during day eight of the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast

Heptathlete Denise Lewis won two golds at Commonwealth Games and is looking forward to welcoming the world to Birmingham, where she trained and ran for Birchfield Harriers

Heptathlete Denise Lewis won two golds at Commonwealth Games and is looking forward to welcoming the world to Birmingham, where she trained and ran for Birchfield Harriers

And today the BBC unveiled a strong female team of its own, led by anchors Gabby Logan, Hazel Irvine and Clare Balding, along with Jason Mohammad, Holly Hamilton and Ayo Akinwolere, who will all present the live action.

Former heptathlete, Lewis, who also won gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, will be providing expert comment. Born in Wolverhampton, she made her debut at the 1994 Games in Victoria, where she won her first gold.

‘It cannot get any better than this for me,’ said Lewis. ‘Having a Commonwealth Games here and across the West Midlands.

‘My own international career was kick started at the Commonwealth Games. And this city will be rocking when it starts. I am bursting [with pride].’

Lewis ran for Birchfield Harriers and used to travel across Birmingham for training with her school bag slung over her shoulder, driven by the dream of one day making a national team.

How it's going to look - an artist's impression of the Alexander Stadium at the Games

How it's going to look - an artist's

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