BBC cancels Ski Sunday after nearly 50 years

The BBC has cancelled its long-running winter sports programme Ski Sunday after nearly 50 years on air, marking the end of an era for British sports broadcasting. The decision, announced on September 1, 2026, was attributed to evolving audience viewing habits and the need to make tough financial choices to deliver value for licence fee payers. The seasonal weekly show, which first aired in 1978 following the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics, became a staple of the UK's winter sports calendar. It was known for its distinctive theme tune, "Pop Looks Bach," and for bringing alpine skiing highlights and personalities into British homes.