Football fans across Merseyside and beyond can look forward to a top-class live broadcast when BBC Radio Merseyside’s BBC Merseyside Sport show goes live at 6:00pm UK time on Friday, 17 October 2025, with presenter Paul Salt steering the ship. Joining him as expert pundits are Natasha Dowie and Jacqui Oatley, bringing a wealth of football knowledge, Merseyside experience, and national broadcasting pedigree to one of the country’s most beloved regional sports programmes.

The show is available across two main platforms: on your FM radio dial for listeners in the Liverpool area via BBC Radio Merseyside, and nationwide (plus worldwide) on the BBC Sounds app. This dual-broadcast approach is part of the BBC’s drive to make regional sport accessible to as many fans as possible, wherever they are, reinforcing its commitment to free-to-air football coverage in an era when many live matches are behind paywalls on Sky Sports, TNT Sports, or ITV (which otherwise lead the live broadcast market for most top-tier games in Britain).

For those who aren’t in front of a TV, this is one of the best ways to stay connected with local football discussion and analysis, especially in a city that is home to two of England’s most historic clubs, Liverpool FC and Everton FC. Their rivalry, known as the Merseyside derby, is the longest continuously running top-flight derby in English football history: a fixture steeped in tradition, passion, and mutual respect[1]. It’s this kind of context that BBC Merseyside Sport is uniquely placed to explore, with presenters and pundits who not only know the game but have lived it.

Paul Salt, the show’s presenter, is a familiar voice on Merseyside airwaves. For years, Salt has anchored the BBC’s local sports coverage, providing play-by-play commentary, interviews, and insightful debate. His calm but authoritative style has made him a trusted figure among listeners, and his ability to draw the best out of his guests is a hallmark of the programme.

Natasha Dowie, one of the featured pundits, is a respected figure in both Merseyside and women’s football. Dowie started her career at Everton before moving to Liverpool, where she became one of the most prolific goalscorers in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Dowie has also played for England, and her international experience adds depth to her analysis. Since her playing days, she has transitioned into punditry, regularly appearing on BBC and Sky Sports, where her technical insight and engaging personality have won praise from fans and colleagues alike.

Jacqui Oatley needs little introduction for regular followers of British football broadcasting. A trailblazer for women in sports media, Oatley became the first female commentator on BBC’s Match of the Day and has presented and commentated across BBC, ITV, and the world feed. She is known for her in-depth tactical knowledge, clear delivery, and commitment to highlighting the achievements of women’s football. Oatley’s presence on this programme is a real coup for BBC Merseyside Sport, demonstrating its ambition and status as a platform for serious football discussion.

The format of the show typically combines the latest news from Anfield and Goodison Park (and the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton’s current home ground), in-depth analysis of key talking points, and interviews with players, managers, and other key figures from Merseyside’s footballing world. The show’s proximity to matches—including Merseyside derbies—often means lively debate, first-hand accounts, and unique insights that you simply won’t find in national newspaper columns or even on Sky Sports analysis segments.

With the Premier League and Women’s Super League both in full swing at this stage in the season, there is plenty to discuss. Liverpool FC are reigning champions after a superb 2024–25 campaign, sealing the title with a 5-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield[2]. Everton, meanwhile, are looking to the future under manager Brian Sorensen, and the Toffees will be eager to continue making progress and re-establishing themselves as a force in English football. The Merseyside derby history is unmatched for drama, intensity, and iconic moments, and you can be sure that Paul Salt, Natasha Dowie, and Jacqui Oatley will bring it all to life for listeners.

Football broadcasting in Britain has undergone significant changes in recent years. While BBC, ITV, Sky Sports, and TNT Sports fight for live TV rights—particularly for the Premier League—the value of local radio, especially on matchdays, remains immense. BBC Radio Merseyside is part of this rich tradition, offering a deeply personal connection to clubs, players, and fans. This is not just about reporting the scores; it’s about celebrating the stories, the characters, and the emotions that make football on Merseyside unique.

The BBC Sounds app is increasingly becoming the go-to service for fans who want to catch up, listen live, or download shows on the move. Its intuitive design, wide catalogue of programmes, and seamless streaming quality make it an essential download for any serious football fan. The ability to listen to programmes like BBC Merseyside Sport wherever you are is a real advantage, especially for ex-pat Merseysiders or supporters interested in the inner workings of these famous clubs.

For those wanting more background on some of the personalities involved, here are some external links to explore:

• To learn more about the unique history and significance of the Merseyside derby, including memorable encounters and key statistics, visit the official Wikipedia entry[1].
• For the latest news, interviews, and reports from Liverpool and Everton, including women's and men's teams, Merseysport Live is a valuable resource[2].
• To understand the role of women in football broadcasting, including Jacqui Oatley’s pioneering work, The Guardian’s Women in Football series is highly recommended.

BBC Merseyside Sport, with its star-studded line-up, is a must-listen for any Merseyside football supporter. Whether you’re tuning in on the radio, via BBC Sounds, or following along with updates online, this programme remains one of the best ways to experience the passion, debate, and community spirit that define football in this part of the world.