Alan Shearer isn’t concerned about Match of the Day facing the same fate as Football Focus, following the announcement that the long-running BBC show has been cancelled. The final episode of Football Focus will air this weekend, marking the end of a run that began over 50 years ago.
BBC’s Changing Sports Coverage
The cancellation of Football Focus is part of a series of changes to the BBC’s sports coverage. Other high-profile events have also found new homes. England’s Six Nations fixtures have moved to ITV, and the Boat Race is now broadcast on Channel 4.
Shearer’s View on ‘Match of the Day’
Shearer, who has experience on both Football Focus and Match of the Day, believes the highlights show is secure. He highlighted its enduring appeal. “I think Match of the Day will be there for a long, long time,” Shearer told Mirror Football. “Because of what it is and what it brings and how successful it’s been over the years.”
Shearer added: “The people that make the show are the people that watch it. It’s still bringing in incredible numbers and viewing figures. I know there’s not so many games on a Saturday night, which is what we have to accept and sort of put up with football going forward. But in terms of people watching Match of the Day over a weekend, the numbers are still huge.”
Alex Scott’s Future Role
Shearer anticipates that Football Focus presenter Alex Scott will continue to play a significant role in the BBC’s sports and non-sport coverage. Shearer said, “I’m lucky enough to work with Alex and all the presenters that the BBC you’ve got and I think the one thing is is that everyone gets on incredibly well,” suggesting the end of Football Focus is no reflection of those involved with the programme.
Both Shearer and Scott will be part of the BBC’s team for World Cup 2026. They will be joined by a number of new faces.
The Changing Media Landscape
Shearer reflected on the end of an era. “It was pretty sad because I grew up watching Football Focus but I guess it’s just the world we live in now,” he said. “In terms of the content and digital, there’s more demand for that and there are so many going down that route, which [is] inevitable.
“You have to do that… if you want to be in and around where you have to be. So it’s sad, but I guess understandable.”
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.