Rob Gurney shares why Tony Brown didn’t commentate on West Brom clash v Cardiff
Rob Gurney has revealed that he and Tony Brown did not commentate on the Championship game between West Brom and Cardiff on Wednesday (15 March) due to a 24-hour strike over radio cuts.
The pair were due to commentate on the 1-1 draw at the Cardiff City Stadium, but Gurney confirmed on Twitter that they would be taking no part in the game.
BBC News reported that its regional TV bulletins and local radio and online output in England are currently being disrupted by the strike on Wednesday and Thursday.
National Union of Journalists (NUJ) members working for BBC Local began the action in response to plans to merge some local radio shows.
“It’s not simply a question about jobs and conditions for our members – they believe passionately in the value that quality local content brings to their audiences, journalism that is trusted and relied upon in the communities they serve,” said NUJ General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet.
“The BBC’s raiding of local radio budgets to fund its Digital First strategy is wrongheaded and risks undermining a vital part of our public service broadcasting.”
Radio blackout
Several programmes have been and will continue to be affected by the strike in the coming hours, with NUJ members understandably not happy with the current conditions.
While the BBC is trying to minimise disruption as much as it possibly can, it left many West Brom supporters without their usual matchday service.
Fortunately for Brown, the Albion didn’t exactly set the pitch alight in their clash with Cardiff, with Carlos Corberan undoubtedly set to be disappointed on the journey home.
Fans of the club will be hopeful their legendary figure Brown will be back behind the mic as soon as possible, with the Championship outfit next in action against Millwall on 1 April.
That encounter may just give a real indication of which club wants to secure a spot in the play-off places, with Millwall currently in sixth place, five points ahead of West Brom who are in eighth position.
In other West Brom news, finance expert Martin Calladine has reacted to reports stating Chinese owner Guochuan Lai has secured a new £20million loan.