I SHARE John Humphrey's aggravation by excessive noise (News Review, November 25) and I am surprised he did not include the din of sports supporters and commentators on TV.

The commentators may claim that they must shout into their microphones to be heard above the mob, but Richard Dimbleby, doyen of reporters, spoke quietly unemotionally when on a bombing raid on Germany, and the aeroplane was certainly not sound-proofed. Every word he uttered was distinct.

A few years earlier, radio commentary on international football matches were conducted by one reporter speaking in the same way and with a colleague at his side almost whispering the location of play related to a six or eight squares grill of the playing field published by the Radio Times and some newspapers. There was absolute clarity and no excitement in the reporting.

Admittedly the 'Hampten Roar' style support was not so raucous as it is today. So often now the commentator bawls incoherently in his excitement.

This form of irritation — often frustration — is prevalent in the other TV programmes where there is a live audience, but often the sudden outburst and cessation of clapping and shouting suggests recorded rather than spontaneous response.

G Kirkpatrick

Tavistock