Commentator asks for training on ‘bias’

FOOTBALL

CLIVE Tyldesley has written to the Professional Footballers’ Association suggesting co-commentators are given proper training after a study found ‘evident bias’ in how darker-skinned players are described in broadcasts.

The study, conducted by Danish firm RunRepeat in association with the PFA, found 62.6 per cent of praise regarding a player’s intelligence was aimed at those with lighter skin, while 63.33 per cent of criticism for a player’s intelligence was aimed at those with darker skin tones.

The findings also show that 60.4 per cent of praise for work rate was directed at lighter-skinned players.

The study looked at a total of 80 matches played in the Premier League, Italy’s Serie A, LaLiga in Spain and

Ligue 1 in France this season. It analysed 2,073 statements made by broadcasters speaking in English working for media outlets in the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.

As ITV’s main commentator, Tyldesley is one of England’s most recognisable game callers and he says that more training is needed to make those who take up the microphone more aware of what they are saying.

“I mentor media undergraduates. I discuss the business, the purpose of commentary with them - does anyone discuss that with the co-commentators who step straight off the field and pick up a mic?” he asked as he spoke on YouTube.

“Does anyone discuss with them the thought processes and the responsibilities that come with broadcasting?”