World of Sport (Australian TV program)
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports broadcasting |
| Founded | May 16, 1959 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Sports television show |
World of Sport was a live Australian sports television show aired on HSV-7 in Melbourne from 1959 until 1987, typically broadcast on Sundays between 11am and 2pm. By the time it concluded, it was recognized as the longest-running sports program worldwide.
History
The program held a distinctive position within Melbourne’s sporting scene by blending discussion, light-hearted banter, and expert insights on both authentic and fictional sports. It also served as a platform that propelled the careers of numerous former athletes, particularly those from Australian rules football.
Debuting on Saturday, 16 May 1959—less than three years following television's introduction in Australia—the show was initially sponsored by Westinghouse. The original format featured a two-hour runtime with radio commentator Ron Casey as host. After Westinghouse chose not to continue sponsorship after thirteen weeks, Casey teamed up with radio personality "Uncle Doug" Elliott, acquired the show’s concept, secured Sunday time slots, and brought in Vealls as the new sponsor for 1960.
The program regularly featured contributions from notable figures such as racing journalist Jack Elliott, professional sprinter Mike Williamson, footballer and publican Ted Rippon, boxing reporter Merv Williams, footballer-journalist Kevin Coghlan, broadcaster and politician Doug Elliott, champion axeman and policeman Jack O'Toole, Geelong footballer Bob Davis, triple Brownlow Medal winner Bob Skilton, Collingwood goal scorer Gordon Coventry, actor and boxing referee Gus Mercurio, singer and racecaller Bill Collins, racing writer Rollo Roylance, Brownlow Medallist Neil Roberts, boxer-commentator Peter Landy, and Bruce Andrew, distinguished by his unique hair parting.
Renowned for its captivating segments, the show included woodchopping contests, competitions involving shovelling sand and blue metal, sheaf tossing events, track-cycle sprint races on rollers featuring world champion cyclist Sid Patterson, as well as an indoor football game created specifically for studio play. Elite VFL players frequently took part in a Handball Competition offering prizes such as meat pies and hairdryers.
A memorable aspect of the program was commentator Dyer’s witty one-liners or "Dyerisms," examples being:
- "He's tuckled strongly by Tack." (referring to Michael Tuck)
- "He sets himself for a high mark – actually, that was a low high mark."
- "Bamblett made a great debut last week, and an even better one today."
The influence of World of Sport extended beyond athletics; during the 1980s, a Melbourne-based post-punk band adopted the show's name.
See also
- Articles with short description
- Australian sports television series
- Seven Network original programming
- 1959 Australian television series debuts
- 1987 Australian television series endings
- 1960s Australian television series
- 1970s Australian television series
- Black-and-white Australian television shows
- History of Australian rules football