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BBC Pundits to Miss Early World Cup Games
2 Dec
Summary
- BBC plans to delay sending television pundits until quarter-finals.
- Broadcaster will not have its own studio at the tournament.
- Cost and carbon footprint are considered reasons for the decision.

The BBC is reportedly set to keep its television pundits and commentators away from North America until at least the quarter-final stage of the upcoming World Cup. In a significant departure from usual practice, the broadcaster is also not planning to have its own dedicated studio at the event, a move that contrasts with competitors like ITV.
This decision, which could lead to some high-profile sports figures being unavailable for remote commentary, is understood to be driven primarily by the substantial costs involved in covering the expanded 48-team tournament. Environmental considerations, specifically the broadcaster's carbon footprint, are also cited as contributing factors.
While radio commentators and analysts will still travel, the majority of television coverage is expected to originate from the BBC's base in Salford. ITV, meanwhile, is expected to have a studio in New York, potentially positioning them as the preferred choice for viewers seeking live, on-site commentary and analysis.




