The BBC has acquired the rights from BT Sport to broadcast the new series of The Clare Balding Show, in a unique deal which will see two channels sharing the programme, beginning next month.
Starting on April 2, the 12-programme series of sports chat shows will air first on BT Sport on Thursdays and then on BBC2 the following evening.
The announcement follows Balding’s recent decision to scale down her other broadcasting commitments, notably with Channel 4 Racing.
Balding is a former SJA committee member and past SJA Sports Broadcaster of the Year.
BT Sport are the sponsors of the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards.
These incorporate the annual British Sports Photography Awards and British Sports Broadcasting Awards. The latest edition of these prestigious awards will be staged in central London next Monday, March 23.
Past guests on The Clare Balding Show have included Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho and Dame Kelly Holmes. The programme, which will continue to be produced by Boomerang, is filmed at the BT Sport studio located in London’s Olympic Park, in front of a live audience who have the opportunity to ask the guests questions.
“I’m delighted that The Clare Balding Show will now reach a brand new audience via the BBC following this unprecedented deal,” Balding said.
“Over the last two years we’ve hosted major sporting names in front of a live audience, we’ve broken stories, we’ve laughed and we’ve asked tough questions. I really hope people will appreciate the relaxed, fun nature of the programme and that it appeals to non-sports fans as well as committed enthusiasts.”
- The SJA is the largest member organisation of sports media professionals in the world. Join us: Click here for more details
UPCOMING SJA EVENTS
Mon Mar 23: SJA British Sports Journalism Awards, sponsored by BT Sport, at the Grand Connaught Rooms. Details of how to book your tickets can be found here
Wed, Apr 1: BT Sport/SJA lunch with Olympic champion rower Andrew Triggs Hodge. Booking details here
Mon Apr 13: SJA Spring Golf Day, Wimbledon Park GC. Booking details here
Mon Sep 14: SJA Autumn Golf Day, Muswell Hill Golf Club