Chris Mason, a veteran of ITV's darts coverage, has delivered a glowing verdict on the broadcaster's recent overhaul, which has seen increased Matchroom influence and a refreshed on-screen team. Speaking to Online Darts, Mason stated, "For me, it was some of the best darts TV I've ever seen." He highlighted the production shift, noting a level of preparation he hadn't experienced before, with extensive rehearsals and attention to detail across the entire team, including cameramen, sound engineers, and markers.
Mason pointed to Matchroom's experience in televised sport, such as boxing production in Saudi Arabia, as a key factor in the improved coverage. He praised the result for being inclusive to casual viewers while still engaging dedicated fans, explaining, "Not everyone knows everything about darts. Some people are coming home from work and suddenly they're dropped into a match halfway through. We explained what had happened and why it mattered." The new broadcast team, featuring Wayne Mardle, Mark Webster, presenter Pete Graves, and others like Mark Wilson and Dan, blended styles effectively, with Mason noting his long-standing rapport with Mardle.
Despite some backlash, including criticism from former pundit Alan Warriner-Little and viewer complaints about graphics, Mason urged restraint, emphasizing the needs of visually impaired fans. He singled out the Winmau World Masters as a showcase event, highlighting the new Winmau board's impact on player averages. Mason concluded that the overhaul represents a significant step forward, rooted in his unique perspective from both the old and new ITV eras.
