**BBC Faces Criticism over ‘Today at Wimbledon’ Highlights Shift**
The BBC’s broadcasting schedule for this year’s Wimbledon Championships has sparked a wave of concern and frustration among tennis fans, following a significant change to its traditional coverage. A move to relegate the long-running nightly highlights programme ‘Today at Wimbledon’ to a much later time slot has prompted a fierce reaction, with many viewers voicing their disappointment at what they see as the diminishing of a cherished broadcasting fixture.
Historically, ‘Today at Wimbledon’ has been a staple of evening television during the tournament, offering a curated selection of the day’s most compelling moments and expert analysis. Typically, this show occupied a prominent 8pm or 9pm slot on BBC Two, making it easily accessible to a wide audience as the day’s live tennis came to a close.
However, adjustments to the broadcaster’s scheduling will see the highlights show now beginning at 11:55pm for the bulk of the tournament. Initial reports suggest that the shift is not an isolated occurrence but will apply throughout most of this year’s competition. Instead, the BBC is set to air repeats of programmes such as ‘Your Garden Made Perfect,’ ‘The Pembrokeshire Coast: A Wild Year,’ and the sitcom ‘Upstart Crow’ during its former evening slot.
The change has not gone unnoticed by devoted followers. Fans have taken to social media platforms to express their displeasure, with some suggesting the decision amounts to “cultural vandalism.” Many argue that shunting the highlights show to a ‘graveyard’ time threatens to erode its audience, particularly among those in areas with patchy internet access who may rely solely on traditional television.
BBC representatives have defended the change, explaining that it avoids overlap between ongoing live matches and the highlights broadcast. In a statement, the broadcaster clarified that ‘Today at Wimbledon’ will still be available at its customary time on BBC iPlayer, while the later BBC Two airing will be classed as a ‘repeat’. The aim, according to the BBC, is to prevent fans from missing any live action by having two flagship programmes running concurrently.
Despite these assurances, concerns linger about accessibility, particularly for viewers without reliable internet connections or those not accustomed to using streaming platforms. One fan queried the logic, stating, “Not everyone is able to watch live; some of us rely on easy access to highlight shows.” Another lamented that the move would “ruin” a longstanding viewing tradition.
The BBC’s statement also revealed that the schedule would revert to earlier evening broadcasts during the tournament’s final week—when matches tend to conclude sooner—restoring ‘Today at Wimbledon’ to the 8pm slot from 8th to 11th July. This partial concession is intended to balance the needs of both live and highlights audiences as play times change.
This development follows a previous controversy earlier this summer, when the BBC was criticised for failing to televise the women’s doubles featuring Brits Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter at Queen’s Club. On that occasion, instead of covering the high-profile homegrown partnership, the broadcaster opted for reruns of popular daytime programmes, leading to fierce complaints from tennis enthusiasts.
The decision has raised broader questions about the BBC’s commitment to covering key sporting events and supporting British athletes. For many, Wimbledon’s nightly digest has represented far more than a simple round-up; it is deeply woven into the rhythm of a British summer, providing a shared experience for fans up and down the country.
With digital viewing habits evolving rapidly, broadcasters face a challenge in balancing new technologies with the needs of a diverse audience. The BBC’s strategy this year underscores these tensions, highlighting the difficulty in finding the right formula to serve tradition while adapting to a changing media landscape.
As anticipation builds for this year’s Wimbledon, the broadcaster will be closely watching audience feedback. Whether the late-night move for ‘Today at Wimbledon’ marks a fleeting experiment or a new direction remains to be seen, but for now, it is clear that the decision has touched a nerve with the tennis-viewing public.