Book description
You've probably heard the familiar chime of the BBC Sports Report on Saturday evenings for decades-maybe even since you were a kid. But what really happens behind those iconic words? Pat Murphy, a reporter on the show since 1981, finally tells the full story, and the audiobook is pure magic. Forget dry history; this is a warm, human, deeply entertaining journey into the heart of one of broadcasting's most enduring institutions.
Murphy doesn't just chronicle the program's 75-year run-he makes you feel the urgency of those Saturday nights. You'll hear him unearthing stories from the BBC Archives: producers scrambling to get interviews from draughty dressing rooms in the drizzle, commentators ad-libbing live as the clock ticks toward 6 PM, the sheer nerve of a tiny team pulling off a flawless broadcast without a script. It's a "weekly miracle," as he calls it, and the audiobook captures that tension perfectly.
What shines brightest here is the people. Murphy interviews the legends-Angus and Eamonn, the "odd couple" who shaped early broadcasts; presenters who navigated everything from Cold War tensions to the rise of global sports; and the unsung heroes in the studio who kept the show alive. You'll laugh at the "some laughs" section, nod along at the gender shifts in sports coverage, and feel the pride in moments like the 1990s when the show finally got the recognition it deserved.
The narration? Effortless. Murphy's voice carries the warmth of a colleague sharing stories over coffee, making you feel like you're part of the BBC's inner circle. You'll hear the signature tune in your head, picture those old studio sets, and understand why millions still tune in-this isn't just a show; it's a cultural heartbeat.
For sports fans, it's a love letter to the game's spirit. For anyone who's ever marveled at radio's power, it's a masterclass in storytelling under pressure. Murphy doesn't just write history-he lets you live it, one Saturday evening at a time. And as he says, the clock never stops ticking... but this audiobook? It's a timeless gift to anyone who's ever felt the thrill of the Sports Report.
Shadow Bishop
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience.
Marshmallow
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Lucky Martian
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Indestructible Potato
Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Trash Master
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Bae
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Mallow Man
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Green Ghost
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Rooster
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Mechani-Man
ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable.
The Flying Mouse
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Sβmore Vixen
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream!
Disco Thunder
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Ember Rope
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Betty Cricket
ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening.
White Swan
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience.
Doll Champagne
Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
WordWanderer
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere β it's a reader's dream come true. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Doll Champagne
Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials.
Cali Yacht
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience