For a while now, I’ve been meaning to write a post about banter, and the shadow it casts over the BBC’s Formula 1 coverage.

But now, with the news that Jake Humphrey is to leave the corporation at the end of the year to front BT Vision’s football coverage, I can be a little more positive. Because I for one think it’s a great opportunity to reinvigorate the BBC’s F1 output.

The banter

Jake Humphrey is a live TV presenter of rare talent, making it look effortless like few can – Dermot O’Leary is another that springs to mind. He grew into the role admirably in his first year on the job, and gelled well with David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan.

But since then, and particularly this season, the three of them have become a bit too pally. There’s a fine line between being presenters of the show, and the presenters becoming the show.

Admittedly, I’m arguably in the minority in having a problem with that style of presenting. Actually, I don’t have a problem with it, when the viewer or listener is treated as an equal part of the ‘gang’ – achieved on the radio by the likes of Adam & Joe or Mark & Lard.

But often it comes across to me as self-important, patronising, smug – in short, too bloody pleased with itself. See also: Top Gear, Chris Moyles.

The opportunity

Anyway, let’s be more positive. I still broadly enjoy the BBC’s F1 coverage, and it’s only occasionally that it gets up my nose. But the departure of Jake Humphrey does give the BBC an opportunity to reassess, and maybe make it’s coverage a bit more inclusive.

Lee McKenzie is the obvious solution. She’s seamlessly taken the reins several times when Jake Humphrey has been off intelligently furthering his career, and I think a female presenter would be a welcome change to the on-screen dynamic.

That’s the least disruptive option. But if the BBC really want to shake it up, why not stick with the female presenter idea, but cast the net a little wider. Mel & Sue, anyone? A sort of ‘Great British Race Off’, if you like. I’d watch that.

Photo Credit
DumbYellowDog / Cameron Rogers – Flickr – Some rights reserved