BBC Won't Fund Pundits for Rival Podcasts During World Cup
The BBC has announced that it will not use licence fee payers' money to support leading pundits like Micah Richards as he appears on rival podcasts, including a new deal with Netflix. The decision comes as the broadcaster prepares to host its main World Cup coverage in the UK this summer.
As part of the production plans, Lineker will be based in New York and is expected to work on more than 40 video podcasts for The Rest is Football, featuring big-name guests. While other pundits may also join him there, Richards' travel costs will have to be met by Netflix or his own production company, Goalhanger.
The BBC's decision has been influenced by the need to reduce its carbon footprint and a desire to keep its World Cup coverage in-house. This year's tournament will feature 104 matches, more than double the number played at Euro 2024 when the three presenters - Lineker, Richards, and Alan Shearer - met up in Berlin.
Other BBC pundits will be based in Salford and have podcasting duties on a different show, while Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates, and Gabby Logan will also provide coverage from the studio.
The BBC has announced that it will not use licence fee payers' money to support leading pundits like Micah Richards as he appears on rival podcasts, including a new deal with Netflix. The decision comes as the broadcaster prepares to host its main World Cup coverage in the UK this summer.
As part of the production plans, Lineker will be based in New York and is expected to work on more than 40 video podcasts for The Rest is Football, featuring big-name guests. While other pundits may also join him there, Richards' travel costs will have to be met by Netflix or his own production company, Goalhanger.
The BBC's decision has been influenced by the need to reduce its carbon footprint and a desire to keep its World Cup coverage in-house. This year's tournament will feature 104 matches, more than double the number played at Euro 2024 when the three presenters - Lineker, Richards, and Alan Shearer - met up in Berlin.
Other BBC pundits will be based in Salford and have podcasting duties on a different show, while Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates, and Gabby Logan will also provide coverage from the studio.
its not like micah richards is gonna use licence fee payers' money to fund his own podcast or anything... its just a bit of extra cash to help him travel to new york for the world cup 
i mean, cant they just chip in a bit more to reduce their carbon footprint? its not like the bbc is doing anyone any favours by not supporting their pundits on rival podcasts 
and having him on rival podcasts just makes sense, especially with the world cup coming up. plus, it's not like he's getting paid from the bbc anyway... 
but seriously, reducing carbon footprint and keeping things in-house for the world cup coverage is a good move 
๏ธ. maybe he can do some stuff from salford instead? 
. It's a clever move by the BBC, and I think they're making a smart decision 
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. Like, what's next? Are we going to have to cancel our favorite shows because they're not eco-friendly? 
. But, come on, Micah Richards has a new gig with Netflix and now he's gotta foot the bill for his own travel costs? 
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. Then I started thinking about how we take things for granted, like having access to podcasts and YouTube, and it made me wonder if our grandparents were even able to listen to the radio back in the day? And did you know that canned tuna is still one of the most popular foods in space missions? Mind blown 
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. But at the same time, I get why they wanna keep their World Cup coverage in-house 
. It's all about reducing that carbon footprint and making sure everything is super efficient 
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. Meanwhile, I'm excited for Lineker and co to bring us all the World Cup action from Salford 
But is that fair? Shouldn't people be paid for using their skills and time to help others grow?
, but maybe this decision is an overreaction? Can't they just set up a system where these pundits can still do their thing without relying on licence fee payers' money? That way everyone wins - the pundits stay employed and sustainable...
they gotta keep it green & reduce their carbon footprint, especially with 104 matches comin up! 
. I mean, Micah Richards is a big name and all, but come on, you can't just cut off your stars mid-tournament. It's like they're choosing between the World Cup and the pundits' pockets 
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they're supposed to do their jobs for free and now it's all about the benjamins 
? micah richards is a big deal tho, he shouldnt have to dip into his own pocket 
! The BBC is basically saying they're good riddance to these pundits who just want to cash in on their fame 
. It's like the BBC is trying to make an example out of them. And honestly, I get it, reducing carbon footprint and all that jazz... but can't they just find a better way to do it than cutting ties with these guys? 
anyway, lineker is gonna be in new york 
๏ธ and that sounds lit 
but goalhanger has to cover micah's travel costs 
and he's gonna be working on a Netflix podcast? That's like a big no-no for the Beeb, you know? 
... and netflix is like, paying them, anyway? why should licence fee payers have to foot the bill for micah richards' travel costs?! 
๏ธ
. Can't he just chill and focus on the World Cup coverage?