Journalist and podcast host Nick Metcalfe believes snooker and radio can work together. And he is on a mission to prove it.
The Talking Snooker co-host has just launched “Radio Snooker” – a new audio channel which he hopes gives fans a different listening experience.
Nick Metcalfe has promised Radio Snooker will have special interviews and elements of commentary when the Masters takes place next week and for future tournaments.
The new channel can be heard on Spotify and other podcast platforms. One of its first episodes heard commentary on the closing stages of Judd Trump’s UK Championship final win against Barry Hawkins.
Speaking to Snooker Chat, Metcalfe said he has always believed snooker and radio could work well – but says so far it is has been an unproven formula.
He said: “When we started the Talking Snooker podcast, I was surprised about how little audio content there was out there for snooker. There seven or eight significant darts podcasts. But I never understood why snooker was lagging behind.
“I don’t think that’s the case now. I think there is a lot of audio content out there. But what I still think is missing is an element of live audio.
“I have always believed that anything can work in audio and darts on the radio has proved that.”
Snooker and radio is yet to be tried properly
A rather new trend of darts commentary on the radio is proving popular it seems. Ian Danter from talkSPORT said on White and Jordan on January 6 listener figures show there is a “massive increased interest” in the sport.
But can the same work in snooker, which has a slower pace?
Metcalfe added: “Audio in cricket and boxing both work really well. Everything you feel and hear as a listener is perfect. There are some sports like snooker and darts where you think they are so visual. And you ask can it really work?
“But I think anything can work in an audio sense, if it is tried properly. I don’t think it has been tried properly in snooker.
“I don’t want to rush anything with this. But I want to record some commentary with some live reaction thrown in. In time, I hope there will be more live elements incorporated. I would like to have an audio collection of certain moments.”
More details about Radio Snooker can be seen by clicking here.
