PEOPLE power can do wonderful things; let’s see if the BBC listens.
The corporation’s proposals to slash the coverage it gives to race meetings has stoked up a huge out-cry from leading industry figures and the public have not been shy in getting stuck in either.
At the start of the decade, the BBC screened 79 days of racing but it is feared the remaining 29 excursions could be cut to just 14 from 2010.
That would leave jumps racing largely ignored by the BBC outside of the Grand National, while only The Derby and Royal Ascot would also be safe from the cuts.
Turf Talk readers will remember Ryedale MP John Greenway – joint-chair of Parliament’s all-party racing group – weighing into the debate and urging the BBC to reconsider earlier this month.
To date, the television giant seems largely un-moved by the fuss. But audiences can sway the balance.
Some one million watched the coverage from Chepstow, and the Welsh Grand National, on December 27, while an on-line petition is getting swathes of signatures.
More than 1,750 (at 5pm on Monday) had signed Pippa Cuckson’s plea – asking the Prime Minister to ask the BBC to retain the current levels of coverage – and if enough people can get involved, maybe the BBC will have a re-think.
To add your name, log on to http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/bbcracing/
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