THE DEBATE
Is Sports Personality of the Year still relevant in 2023?
JAMES ANDREW
EDITOR
In each month of the year, there are always traditions. In April, Arsenal throw a season of great promise out of a window. In May, Manchester City win the league, and people celebrate by chasing a lump of cheese down a steep hill in Gloucestershire.
In December, since 1954, people have gathered around the TV and decided the best sportsperson of the year. The same sports are still carrying on, so why is the award any less relevant?
OK, the viewing figures aren’t the same as the olden days, but neither are TV viewing figures in general. Millions still tune in. OK, the BBC also confused the issue from the start by calling it Sports Personality of the Year, letting some people wilfully misunderstand the concept and complain that the best ‘personality’ didn’t win. Yes, they’re probably right. And yes, I am rolling my eyes at people still saying that in 2023.