While women have made such an impressive mark in sports presentation,
commentary largely remains the province of the men. I received some
criticism for suggesting in this column that the female voice is not
suitable for commentary and I stand by that as far as fast-moving sports
such as racing and football are concerned because when things get exciting,
the pitch of the female voice goes too high. It happens with one or two of
the male commentators too. There is nothing, however, to stop women
commentating on the slower moving sports such as cricket or golf.
Meanwhile Perry will bring her relaxed authority to the Canadian Grand Prix
and what I find most appealing about her presentation is that she is not all
torque and technicalities. While pretty much a motorsport specialist she
keeps the broadcast understandable to technophobes like me. Her sidekicks
Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard look happy in her company as do the
competitors and their connections.
Now, Suzi’s profile is higher than ever before, one of those who has spent
nearly 20 years becoming an overnight success. The problem for her may be
that with Sky Sports having made such an investment in Formula One, the
BBC’s interest will drop away. There are many in the corporation who think
that the millions spent on motor racing would be better used in shoring up
the rest of its dwindling sports portfolio which is under constant attack.
For the moment Suzi is doing a great job, a valuable addition to the BBC
Sport sisterhood.
By the way, I expect the BBC would like me to point out that men are also
available to present some of its programmes.