BBC Scotland has moved to reassure listeners that Open All Mics is not being dropped from Radio Scotland. The broadcaster said the format remains a “valued part” of its output after some fans raised concerns about its recent absence.
Why listeners noticed the change
For years, Saturday Scottish football coverage has often included Open All Mics, with reporters stationed at multiple Scottish Premiership matches across the country. Rather than focusing on one full commentary, the programme gives updates from several games when key moments happen, creating a fast-moving live listen for fans at home.
But so far this season, some Saturday listeners say they have seen more full-match commentary instead of the multi-game format, prompting fears that the feature may have gone for good.
At the weekend, Radio Scotland carried commentary of Rangers’ home game against Motherwell at 3pm, followed later by coverage of Celtic’s trip to St Mirren in the later kick-off. Midweek fixtures have also seen listeners given a choice between the two Glasgow clubs. Other weekend schedules this season have similarly featured full commentary rather than Open All Mics.
BBC Scotland explains the absence
The BBC says the change is down to the number of 3pm Saturday kick-offs available this season.
A BBC Scotland spokesperson said: “The varying kick-off times of Premiership matches this season means there are not always enough 15:00 games for the Open All Mics format.
“On these occasions, Radio Scotland provides live commentary which we know is popular with audiences.
“Open All Mics remains a valued part of our output and will return to its slot throughout the season depending on the Premiership match schedule.”
What it means for football listeners
For regular Saturday followers of Scottish football, the update should provide some reassurance that the format is still part of BBC Scotland’s plans. The broadcaster has not said the feature has been cancelled, only that scheduling has limited when it can be used.
For now, the mix of live commentary and multi-match coverage looks set to continue to depend on how the Scottish Premiership fixture list is arranged each weekend.
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