Chess on tv

..or lack of it, over here in the UK. The last memories for me, were the Kapsarov vs Short matches that were on channel 4, about 10 years ago.

I remember those. At the time I wasn't a fan of chess (I know, I know), but I tuned in to see what the big fuss was. I think the main problem is that for chess to appeal to the larger tv watching audience, there would have be a large amount of 'dumbing down' and explaining move by move, which would infuriate the knowledgeable audience. It's a tricky balance to make, I'm sure there are a lot of people who could make it happen, but the people who are capable of selling chess to a larger audience are already busy selling the dire reality tv shows that currently top the ratings. I think the problem is that for anyone without a decent knowledge of how the game is played, chess is not a spectator sport. Another sport which has a large break between series of action is cricket, and this copes because it is a national institution, and part of that institution is the 'crazy dressing up' in the crowd, the amiable and exceedingly tangential nature of the commentators conversation. I find it hard to see how that could be replicated in chess.
Anyone who has any bright ideas should post them here, maybe we could get a petition going? And, erm send it to someone. Erm, don't know who. Anyway, what do you all think?

Originally posted by sunsetbeach
..or lack of it, over here in the UK. The last memories for me, were the Kapsarov vs Short matches that were on channel 4, about 10 years ago.

We don't get espn in the UK. We only get BBC1 and 2, ITV 1 and Channels 4 and 5. You canhave more if you subscribe to Sky satelite, but they're only really any good if you want to watch football or B-movies constantly. Actually, the discovery channel is pretty good. There also seems to be about 400 new channels on digital tv, but i think most of them are devoted to antiques and reruns of old shows noone wanted to watch on mainstream tv. 😕
So basically there are 5 tv channels in the UK. (and even channel 5 is total rubbish)

If channel 4 can show "Late Night Poker" you would think they could find some room in the schedules for chess 😛

True, and I'm a big fan of late night poker. We just need some sexy way of selling it, like big prize money, or a ridiculously oversized belt laced with genuine 6 carat gold. Anyone know if Angelina Jolie or Orlando Bloom play chess?

I remember chess on channel 4 about 8 or 9 years ago. Can't remember who was playing. Carol Vordeman was one of the commentators.
Nobody watches Channel 5 late at night we should get it on there. Even Channel 4.
Oh, and dressing up in the crowd isn't a national institution for cricket - they've only being doing it recently.

I think it would have to be quickfire though, big money prize too.

there was a series on channel 2 many years ago witch showed classic games with commentry I.E ealy Fisher, and the Russian Marsters. I think it was called marster chess and why theory today has developed. Also william hartston ran a few shows and went for anylise lasting about 20 mins would like to see the repeats

If channel 5 were to air tv chess the players would probably have to be topless. Can Melinda Messenger play chess? 😛

Originally posted by kingofthe303
If channel 5 were to air tv chess the players would probably have to be topless. Can Melinda Messenger play chess? 😛

Originally posted by kirksey957
You know the funny thing is that the first thing I thought of when I saw this thread was "The Naked News." It is a serious news program where the anchors gradually undress. They have gotten excellent critical reviews saying that they are comparable to the BBC. It would certainly spice up the commentary if this format were used. It might also help resurrect chess to the masses. Chess on TV? It would need some help. Kirk

Originally posted by garyminford
Anyone know if Angelina Jolie or Orlando Bloom play chess?