Returning free TV Supercars broadcaster Seven Network accepts the decision to sack popular pit lane pundit Mark Larkham, but believes the fan uproar has prompted a review.
By MARK FOGARTY
Speaking exclusively to AUTO ACTION, Seven’s Head Of Sport Lewis Martin revealed that while the network wouldn’t intervene, he suggested Supercars would react to the outcry by looking to reinstate Larko.
“Larkham is an issue for Supercars at this point in time,” Martin declared. “Viewers should always be listened to and I believe that Supercars are probably doing that right now.
“My perspective is that Supercars are dealing with the situation with Larkham and I think that they’re going to have an outcome which I think will be good for all.”
Seven is back as Supercars’ free-to-air TV partner in 2021 in the new five-year $200 million broadcast rights deal with subscription network Fox Sports.
They will simulcast the race coverage with a shared line-up of hosts, commentators and reporters.
Part of the change is a move by Supercars’ top management to shake-up the commentary team and make the coverage less technical.
But top executives under-estimated the adverse reaction to Larko’s axing, which was met with unprecedented and universal outrage on social media.
Rocked by the scale of the backlash, it is understood Supercars chief executive Sean Seamer has tried to reach out to Larko – so far without success.
Promising that Seven’s co-coverage will respect the interests of dedicated followers while also trying to grow the audience, Martin indicated that the decision was being reviewed.
“My limited understanding at this point is that Supercars are responding to the reaction of the core fans,” he said. “Very clearly, we’re going to be respecting the core audience and we’re going to be looking forward to re-engaging with the lapsed viewers, and then we’re going to be looking forward enticing the new.”
However, he emphasised that the composition of the commentary team was largely up to Supercars, whose broadcast division produces the telecasts, and that the commentary team was still weeks away from being finalised.
“We’re going to respect the outcome that Supercars comes to with Mark because we’re stepping through that process,” he said. “We’re not down to that point yet, so my view at this point in time is that Supercars will sort out that situation with Larkham and we will respect that outcome.
“Again, part of our plan that we shared with Supercars is to respect the core audience.”
Martin’s neutral stand on Larkham is consistent with Seven Network chief James Warburton’s ambivalence, if not opposition, to the fan-favourite technical analyst.
It is known that in his former guise as Supercars supremo, Warburton banished Larko from the main broadcast from 2015-17.
Martin did note that the overwhelming support for Larko’s reinstatement highlighted the fervour of the fans, whose interest Seven hopes to attract.
“To me, if you want my commentary on the Larkham outcome, I loved the response, I loved the passion,” he enthused. “The decision is with Supercars, I respect that, but I have to say to you that I love the passion. And that’s what we need.”
Melbourne-based Martin oversees Seven Sports’ AFL and cricket telecasts, which are shared with Fox Sports, and coverage of horse racing and the Olympic Games. He is also managing director of Seven Melbourne.
Seven and its regional affiliates will show six of next year’s 12 scheduled Supercars events live and the rest as delayed highlights. The coverage will also be streamed on 7Plus.
As well, Seven is the broadcast home of the Australian Racing Group, featuring TCR and S5000.
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