BBC has called time on “iconic” winter sports show Ski Sunday after nearly 50 years on our screens.
The much-loved programme has brought all the biggest snow sports stories and athletes into British homes since its debut in 1978.
Ski Sunday has been a central part of UK winter sports coverage over the past five decades and, alongside its unmistakable theme tune, included a combination of event highlights, interviews and features.
However, the broadcaster announced in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that “following careful consideration, BBC Sport has decided to say farewell to Ski Sunday, ending a remarkable run over nearly five decades”.
In explaining the decision, BBC Sport pointed toward “changing audience behaviours and the tough financial decisions needed to meet savings requirements” as the need to ensure it “delivers value for licence fee payers and serves audiences across platforms”.
The statement also paid tribute to “the extraordinary people who have worked on the programme throughout its history, both on screen and behind the scenes”.
Adding: “Their brilliance, passion, expertise and dedication have made the programme a trusted and much-loved destination for winter sports fans.”
Head of BBC Sport Events Philip Bernie said: “Ski Sunday has been a truly iconic programme and a much-loved part of BBC Sport’s output for many years.
“Generations of viewers have enjoyed its coverage of the best in winter sports. We are enormously proud of the role it has played in bringing these moments to audiences across the UK, and extremely grateful to the brilliant people who have delivered them, not least the current outstanding team.
“These decisions are never easy, but as audience viewing habits evolve and we work to deliver value for licence fee payers, we have to make tough choices. We remain committed to bringing audiences the very best of winter sport, above all at the Winter Olympics, across BBC Sport’s platforms.”
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