Ben Edwards BBC Commentary - Is it just me...?
Discussion
Apologies if this has been done before in its own thread but if it has then I couldn't find it.
I really enjoyed the Brundle/Coulthatd commentaries and was sorry to see those times come to an end.
Subsequently Legard drove me insane with his inane wittering and thoroughly uninformed 'say what you see 'commentary. I actually shouted at the TV and ended up turning the sound off for much of the time.
I was so relieved when Ben Edwards took over as his commentary in touring cars was enjoyable and resonably well informed.
However, it seems of late that Mr Edwards may have been attanding the J Legard school of commentary as he becomes more vocal both in volume and frequesncy and imparts less information.
I found myself again talking at the TV last weekend telling him to STFU if he didn't have anything interesting to say and to stop trying to 'big up' relatively innocuous events.
Is it just me?
I refuse to purchase Sky just for F1 as there is enough crap TV to watch in the freeview channels without paying for more of it.
I really enjoyed the Brundle/Coulthatd commentaries and was sorry to see those times come to an end.
Subsequently Legard drove me insane with his inane wittering and thoroughly uninformed 'say what you see 'commentary. I actually shouted at the TV and ended up turning the sound off for much of the time.
I was so relieved when Ben Edwards took over as his commentary in touring cars was enjoyable and resonably well informed.
However, it seems of late that Mr Edwards may have been attanding the J Legard school of commentary as he becomes more vocal both in volume and frequesncy and imparts less information.
I found myself again talking at the TV last weekend telling him to STFU if he didn't have anything interesting to say and to stop trying to 'big up' relatively innocuous events.
Is it just me?
I refuse to purchase Sky just for F1 as there is enough crap TV to watch in the freeview channels without paying for more of it.
There must a producers guild somewhere that mandated in group think that "shouty" or bellowing down the microphone = excitement, or rather the belief that it is a signal to the viewer that "yes this really is exciting". It assumes we couldn't work that out for ourselves, although to be fair watching without comms which you just about can on Sky race control actually makes for very dull viewing, so there must be something in that. Where it becomes obvious and rather irritating for me is when the "excitement" imparted is not genuine (murray walker was at heart an enthusiast), or obviously forced as the race was dull, turd polishing. Leggard was a BBC "professional" never came across as an f1 or Motorsport enthusiast, a sort of "I can commentate on anything" something I think we (and Brundle) saw through. At the other end of the spectrum Allen, clearly a knowledgeable and enthusiast, unfortunately suffered from not being Murray walker his cringemaking bellow of "GGGGOOOOO!!" Would get my teeth on edge, there's also the semi comical wind up to a "commentary" big finish where his tone would get higher and higher and louder around the final lap so he could bellow "and it's a win for Michael Schumacher" even the race had been a processional bore fest with the result obvious from the 1st corner. Shouty commentary can also be blamed on Jonathan Pearce who was probably the first exponent of it on soccer, and imported from the US sports.
Croft and Edwards are both guilty of similar at times, but no where near leggard or Allen levels.
Croft and Edwards are both guilty of similar at times, but no where near leggard or Allen levels.
Edited by Northern Munkee on Wednesday 31st July 21:54
Interesting that a quite loud and excitable presence behind the microphone, irrespective of the accuracy of what actually comes out of one's mouth, is what made Murray Walker so universally adored.. And now you're slating Ben Edwards for the same style 
Obviously I don't chalk the two up as being exactly the same, not at all, but surely you have to take my point on their styles. I like Ben, and I think he works quite well with DC and removes the often haughty "it was tougher in my day" crap that Brundle could often come out with. He does, for example, often ask for Coulthard's expert opinion on some matters.
Though I have to say, I seem to be spotting a lot of things that they don't, minor incidents or something that confuses them but I expected. Only noticed lately that they seem a little "tardy" on the uptake sometimes, but obviously it's an extremely high pressure job.
Obviously I don't chalk the two up as being exactly the same, not at all, but surely you have to take my point on their styles. I like Ben, and I think he works quite well with DC and removes the often haughty "it was tougher in my day" crap that Brundle could often come out with. He does, for example, often ask for Coulthard's expert opinion on some matters.
Though I have to say, I seem to be spotting a lot of things that they don't, minor incidents or something that confuses them but I expected. Only noticed lately that they seem a little "tardy" on the uptake sometimes, but obviously it's an extremely high pressure job.
I have to say, Edwards has been getting on my nerves since the beginning. He interjects with comments that are just plain wrong sometimes, often while Coulthard is in the middle of explaining something relevant or interesting.
In his defense though, I do think he asks basic questions to make the coverage more accessible and inclusive for people who might not be as familiar with the sport. This is a good thing.
In his defense though, I do think he asks basic questions to make the coverage more accessible and inclusive for people who might not be as familiar with the sport. This is a good thing.
Murray got worse during his period with ITV. If you listen to his commentaries from the late 70s and the 80s, they are actually relatively calm.
I watched a snippet of the 1980 British GP (Brands Hatch) on youtube the other day. Murray was commentating. When the cars left the grid there was none of the "GO..GO..GO..." nonsense of later years.
In fact, Murray said precisely nothing at all. He didn't speak until the lead cars were part way round the first bend and then it was something like " A good getaway for Lafitte...".
I watched a snippet of the 1980 British GP (Brands Hatch) on youtube the other day. Murray was commentating. When the cars left the grid there was none of the "GO..GO..GO..." nonsense of later years.
In fact, Murray said precisely nothing at all. He didn't speak until the lead cars were part way round the first bend and then it was something like " A good getaway for Lafitte...".
If Murray Walker was just coming in to look for a job now he wouldn't get a look in. He'd be stuck doing circuit pa at some grass track event.
A man of his time. By today's standards he'd be too gaffe prone. But of course he isn't he was there essentially first. Before that you had former WW2 fighter pilot Raymond Baxter announcing like a train station pa with BBC RP. murray's genuine enthusiasm was unique. And he casts a long shadow. His style can still be heard in croft, Edwards, even the latest crop Buxton, Nicholls, Sanson.
A man of his time. By today's standards he'd be too gaffe prone. But of course he isn't he was there essentially first. Before that you had former WW2 fighter pilot Raymond Baxter announcing like a train station pa with BBC RP. murray's genuine enthusiasm was unique. And he casts a long shadow. His style can still be heard in croft, Edwards, even the latest crop Buxton, Nicholls, Sanson.
I hated Ben Edwards at first. Then I grew to like him, now I'm going off him again.
Coulthard basically tip toes around anything red bull related as not to upset his employers
Brundle and Croft are a good pairing tbf but I really enjoy Free Practice with Crofty and Anthony Davidson. I think Davidson is genuinely interesting to listen to and I reckon he will become an excellent commentator in a few years
Coulthard basically tip toes around anything red bull related as not to upset his employers
Brundle and Croft are a good pairing tbf but I really enjoy Free Practice with Crofty and Anthony Davidson. I think Davidson is genuinely interesting to listen to and I reckon he will become an excellent commentator in a few years
SteBrown91 said:
Brundle and Croft are a good pairing tbf but I really enjoy Free Practice with Crofty and Anthony Davidson. I think Davidson is genuinely interesting to listen to and I reckon he will become an excellent commentator in a few years
I agree, Davidson seems to be a good all-rounder with a likeable personality. Have you noticed how tiny he is?Edwards hasn't stood out as bad to me, just there in the background.
I can take most of Ben's commentary but when he goes into that strident, excitable schoolboy mode when one of "his favourite" drivers makes some move I find very, very annoying.
He does appear to frequently commentate with the hype associated with certain drivers in the forefront of his mind when they shape up or make a move rather than commentate on the actual track action and sequences.
Am I the only one who was annoyed when some commentators had to tag "Seven Times World Champion" every time they mentioned Michael Schumacher's name? James Allen was severely guilty of that crime...
One thing in his favour, unlike James Allen, he does not feel the need to embellish certain drivers every time he mentions their names. None of this "Three Times world Champion" every time he mentions Vettel or "Twice World Champion" when mentioning Alonso.
So, it's far from all bad.
To be fair, I sometimes listen to James Allen's F1 Radio commentaries now and he is much improved.
He does appear to frequently commentate with the hype associated with certain drivers in the forefront of his mind when they shape up or make a move rather than commentate on the actual track action and sequences.
Am I the only one who was annoyed when some commentators had to tag "Seven Times World Champion" every time they mentioned Michael Schumacher's name? James Allen was severely guilty of that crime...
One thing in his favour, unlike James Allen, he does not feel the need to embellish certain drivers every time he mentions their names. None of this "Three Times world Champion" every time he mentions Vettel or "Twice World Champion" when mentioning Alonso.
So, it's far from all bad.
To be fair, I sometimes listen to James Allen's F1 Radio commentaries now and he is much improved.
Brundle & Coulthard were great together - like chatting with your knowledgeable mates in the pub. Nothing's come close since.
Allen was an annoying commentator, but is clearly enthusiastic and his website is a great source of information.
Still, at least we're shot of Legard. He never seemed to get that we could SEE THE SAME f
kING PICTURES and didn't need every second of airtime stuffed with gibbering wk juice.
Allen was an annoying commentator, but is clearly enthusiastic and his website is a great source of information.
Still, at least we're shot of Legard. He never seemed to get that we could SEE THE SAME f
kING PICTURES and didn't need every second of airtime stuffed with gibbering wk juice.I don't agree with most of the criticism I've seen here.
By comparison to what is currently on offer from the other British coverage of F1, Ben Edwards is superb. Aside from an occasional overflow of enthusiasm – which personally, I do not find irritating (from him) in any case – he is never intrusive, always knowledgeable, observant, prompt and respectful. Most importantly, he comes across as likeable.
This is almost the exact opposite of Sky's 70s DJ who, regardless of frequent errors and ignorance, seems to think 50% of the show is about himself. Such is his conceit that he even reinforces a self-created nickname! He'd probably be flattered that the only other public figure so obviously up his own backside, was that ponce who sung 'Purple Drain' and wanted to be called 'Used to be An Artist but now I'm just a ponce again'.
No. Ben Edwards is a very good commentator; well beyond Croft's ever-inward orbit. Then again, both are light year's ahead of the BBC's Biggest Blunder in Commentating throughout its entire history: the alien from planet Zlod.
By comparison to what is currently on offer from the other British coverage of F1, Ben Edwards is superb. Aside from an occasional overflow of enthusiasm – which personally, I do not find irritating (from him) in any case – he is never intrusive, always knowledgeable, observant, prompt and respectful. Most importantly, he comes across as likeable.
This is almost the exact opposite of Sky's 70s DJ who, regardless of frequent errors and ignorance, seems to think 50% of the show is about himself. Such is his conceit that he even reinforces a self-created nickname! He'd probably be flattered that the only other public figure so obviously up his own backside, was that ponce who sung 'Purple Drain' and wanted to be called 'Used to be An Artist but now I'm just a ponce again'.
No. Ben Edwards is a very good commentator; well beyond Croft's ever-inward orbit. Then again, both are light year's ahead of the BBC's Biggest Blunder in Commentating throughout its entire history: the alien from planet Zlod.
Interesting. I was going to start a post (and work on a vid) that highlights just how much more astute Ben Edwards seems to be at reading the races, compared to Brundle and Croft combined. MB/DC just seem to report more on what is going on on screen, whereas BE/DC appear to make a few accurate predictions and interpretations as well as just commentating.
e.g. Hungary just gone, BE/DC read the situation with MW's race strategy from the start, MB/DC missed this. BE/DC also noted the undertray damage to SV's car, MB/DC missed this. There were quite a few other situations as well, just as some of LH's moves and a few other interpretations that were spot on and stuff I agreed with like RG's move on FM.
While I do like Crofty's style and energy, I also think Ben Edwards' is marginally better in both respects. BE is easily the most enjoyable commentator since Murray, but really considering what certain commentators we have had in the past, I reckon things are all good.
BE gets excited when he should, but it's not OTT/false [sounding] excitement like Legard or Allen. It's appropriate... and that's what it should be. Coming from a BTCC background appears to be a near-perfect schooling.
The BBC also still seem to command more respect from the drivers and teams, so given choices I'd always prefer to watch the BBC for everything and fill in the gaps with Sky - such as AD's analysis which is always quality.
So IMO the haters are plain wrong.
e.g. Hungary just gone, BE/DC read the situation with MW's race strategy from the start, MB/DC missed this. BE/DC also noted the undertray damage to SV's car, MB/DC missed this. There were quite a few other situations as well, just as some of LH's moves and a few other interpretations that were spot on and stuff I agreed with like RG's move on FM.
While I do like Crofty's style and energy, I also think Ben Edwards' is marginally better in both respects. BE is easily the most enjoyable commentator since Murray, but really considering what certain commentators we have had in the past, I reckon things are all good.
BE gets excited when he should, but it's not OTT/false [sounding] excitement like Legard or Allen. It's appropriate... and that's what it should be. Coming from a BTCC background appears to be a near-perfect schooling.The BBC also still seem to command more respect from the drivers and teams, so given choices I'd always prefer to watch the BBC for everything and fill in the gaps with Sky - such as AD's analysis which is always quality.
So IMO the haters are plain wrong.
Edited by mattikake on Wednesday 31st July 11:53
mattikake said:
e.g. Hungary just gone, BE/DC read the situation with MW's race strategy from the start, MB/DC missed this. BE/DC also noted the undertray damage to SV's car, MB/DC missed this. There were quite a few other situations as well, just as some of LH's moves and a few other interpretations that were spot on and stuff I agreed with like RG's move on FM.
Not sure you can really use Hungary as an example - bear in mind that Edwards/Coulthard may have been commentating on the highlights of the race after it finished or editing "insights" onto a commentary recorded during the race.Belgium should be a fairer comparison with both BBC & Sky covering it live. FWIW, I prefer the BBC coverage and I also listened to a lot of the early morning far eastern races on 5Live - it's actually not a bad commentary & there's more input from Gary Anderson in the course of the race.
Gassing Station | General Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff