What Would Happen If Ed and Tim Watched Curling?

In a playful twist on traditional sports commentary, BBC Sport's Ed Leigh and Tim Warwood, known for their enthusiasm in snowboarding, attempted to bring their unique flair to the world of curling. This unexpected crossover not only showcases their versatility but also adds an entertaining layer to the Winter Olympics coverage. Fans can now enjoy a fresh perspective on the sport, blending both humour and expertise to make curling more accessible and engaging.

Last updated: 17 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Ed Leigh and Tim Warwood's foray into curling commentary is a whimsical initiative designed to attract a broader audience to this nuanced sport. Their commentary style, infused with their trademark wit and enthusiasm, aims to demystify curling and make it more relatable to viewers who might not be familiar with the intricacies of the game. This initiative highlights the BBC's commitment to innovative broadcasting, making the Winter Olympics more enjoyable for viewers across the UK.

Key takeaways

Ed Leigh and Tim Warwood bring their snowboarding expertise to curling commentary.
The commentary aims to make curling more engaging for a wider audience.
This initiative reflects the BBC's innovative approach to sports broadcasting.

Timeline: how we got here

The idea of unconventional sports commentary has been growing in popularity over the years. Here’s a brief timeline of events leading up to Leigh and Warwood's latest venture:

2010: The introduction of innovative commentary styles during sports events starts gaining traction, with many commentators experimenting with humour.
2014: The BBC begins to explore new formats for covering the Winter Olympics, introducing elements aimed at younger audiences.
2022: Leigh and Warwood become popular figures in snowboarding commentary, known for their energetic style.
October 2023: The BBC announces Leigh and Warwood will bring their commentary style to curling, hoping to attract a larger audience.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest news is the specific announcement of Ed Leigh and Tim Warwood commentating on curling during the Winter Olympics. This unique approach is intended to refresh the sport's image and engage a new generation of viewers.

What was already established

Curling has been a part of the Winter Olympics since 1998 and has a dedicated following, but it often struggles to attract casual viewers. Traditional commentary styles have not resonated with younger audiences, prompting the BBC to seek innovative solutions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

This new commentary style may enhance the viewing experience for households across the UK, making curling more entertaining and accessible. It could also lead to increased interest in the sport, potentially boosting local curling clubs and participation rates.

Businesses and jobs

As interest in curling grows, businesses involved in sports broadcasting may see a rise in viewership and engagement. This could lead to increased sponsorship opportunities and revenue for the networks that invest in innovative commentary formats.

Policy and regulation

The BBC's approach to changing sports commentary reflects broader trends in media consumption, where traditional formats are adapted to meet the demands of modern audiences. This evolution is crucial for maintaining relevance in an increasingly competitive broadcasting landscape.

Numbers that matter

£1.8 billion: Estimated revenue generated by the sports broadcasting sector in the UK in 2022.
10 million: Average viewers for major Winter Olympics events, highlighting the potential audience for new commentary formats.
2–3: The number of new formats introduced by the BBC in recent years to engage younger viewers.

Definitions and jargon buster

Curling: A sport where players slide stones on a sheet of ice towards a target area.
Commentary: A spoken description of an event, typically delivered live during the event.
Winter Olympics: A major international sports competition featuring winter sports, held every four years.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Viewers can expect to see Leigh and Warwood’s commentary during upcoming curling matches in the Winter Olympics. This could influence how other sports are covered in the future.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If successful, this commentary style may lead to similar initiatives across various sports, potentially reshaping how sporting events are presented on television.

Signals to watch

Ratings and viewer engagement statistics for curling matches.
Feedback on social media regarding the new commentary style.
Interest in local curling clubs and participation rates post-Olympics.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with the new commentary style to see how it enhances your viewing experience.
Explore local curling clubs if you're inspired by the coverage.
Follow the Winter Olympics to stay updated on all sports, including curling.

Don’t

Dismiss curling as a slow sport; it has many layers of strategy and excitement.
Ignore the potential for innovative commentary to change your perception of a sport.
Overlook the community aspect of curling; it’s a sport that welcomes participation.

Checklist

Watch a live curling match with Leigh and Warwood’s commentary.
Research the basics of curling to enhance your understanding.
Consider attending a local curling event or match.
Join discussions on social media about the new commentary style.
Explore other sports commentary styles to broaden your viewing experience.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the new commentary style may attract a larger audience, there is no guarantee that it will resonate with all viewers. Some curling purists may prefer traditional commentary, and the effectiveness of this approach will depend on viewer reception. Additionally, the success of this initiative may influence future broadcasting decisions and how sports are covered in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Bottom line

Ed Leigh and Tim Warwood's venture into curling commentary represents an exciting shift in sports broadcasting, aiming to engage a broader audience by infusing humour and enthusiasm into the coverage. This could redefine how curling is perceived and pave the way for similar innovations in other sports, making them more accessible and enjoyable for all viewers.

FAQs

What is the purpose of Ed Leigh and Tim Warwood commentating on curling?

The purpose is to make curling more engaging and accessible to a wider audience, using their distinctive commentary style to attract viewers who may not be familiar with the sport.

How can I watch the new curling commentary?

The new commentary featuring Ed Leigh and Tim Warwood will be available during the Winter Olympics on BBC platforms, allowing viewers to enjoy their unique take on curling.

What impact could this commentary style have on curling?

This commentary style could increase interest in curling, potentially leading to higher participation rates in local curling clubs and a broader audience for the sport in general.