BROADCASTING: The Quite Remarkable David Coleman

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The BBC will broadcast a special documentary celebrating the glittering career of one of its finest sports broadcasters – David Coleman OBE.

As he celebrates his 85th birthday, a special BBC documentary to be shown next Tuesday will look back at how he left an indelible imprint on sports broadcasting.

From World Cup football to no less than 11 Olympic Games, David Coleman was the face and voice of BBC Television Sport for more than 30 years. 

He was a presenter, a commentator, an interviewer and quiz master for nearly half a century with the BBC, joining in 1954.

The documentary will look back at the memorable moments and significant events he covered during his distinguished career, including how covered undoubtedly his most challenging commentary – the Munich tragedy in 1972.

He retired from the BBC after covering his 11th Olympic games in Sydney, but left quietly with little recognition or fanfare at the time.

Nevertheless, he was given an OBE for services to broadcasting and the Olympic Order for his services to upholding the Olympic ideal.

His career took in 11 Olympic Games, eight Commonwealth Games and several World Cups. As a person he may not have been well liked, but as a commentator his achievements are there for all to see.

A pioneer in broadcasting who shaped it for generations to come, he was also affectionately known for his on-air gaffes – Colemanballs.

He was the king of live television. Sport was his true passion and he presented all the biggest shows and events like the Grand National, Sports Personality of the Year, Match of the Day, Sportsnight and Grandstand.

He also hosted A Question of Sport for 18 years and was famously joined by HRH Princess Anne for an episode watched by 18 million viewers in 1987.

Paying a personal tribute on his blog, BBC Sport editor Carl Doran, who worked with Coleman in his youth as a researcher on A Question of Sport, said: “David taught me about professionalism.

“He is the most professional person I have ever worked with and he set the standards that everyone has since followed.

“At times he was very difficult to work for and although he probably wouldn’t admit it publically, it was because he cared greatly about those who worked with him. He wanted us all to do well in our private and professional life.

“Television will never see an all-rounder like David again. He was the pioneer of modern sports broadcasting. He set the standard that everyone else has since tried to follow.

The Quite Remarkable David Coleman
Tuesday 3rd May, 9pm – BBC Two
Repeated – Wednesday 4th May, 11.50pm – BBC Two

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