Garry Richardson will step down from presenting sports news on BBC Radio 4’s Today, the BBC’s flagship morning news programme, this autumn. He will continue to appear on the programme until then.
His last day presenting the headlines and stories from across the world of sport will be 9 September, which will mark exactly 50 years to the day since Garry joined the BBC in 1974 as a junior researcher at the BBC Written Archives Centre in Caversham.
Garry has presented the sports news on Today for 43 years, having first appeared on the programme in March 1981.
Garry Richardson says: “I have had the most wonderful time working for the BBC alongside my heroes from sport and showbusiness. I’ll still be broadcasting from time to time, the only difference will be I won’t be setting my alarm for 2.45am and that’s a lovely thought.”
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, says: “Garry is a legendary presenter. So many of us have woken up to him bringing the latest sporting news for over four decades. He has brought wisdom, insight and a smile to every broadcast. On behalf of all of us, I’d like to thank Garry for everything he has done, fifty years at the BBC is an incredible milestone.”
Owenna Griffiths, Editor, Today, says: “Garry quickly became a familiar part of my morning when I first started listening to Today at university. It’s been a privilege to work with him over the years and, along with many, many other Today listeners, I will miss him enormously.”
Steve Mawhinney, Head of Journalism, BBC Sport, says: “For so many people, the sporting day does not start until they hear Garry’s voice bringing them the very latest news on the Today programme with his unique blend of insight, warmth and wit. Over the decades his passion for sport and for radio broadcasting has never faltered for a moment and he continues to set the standards that others aspire to. He will be hugely missed by his colleagues and audiences alike.”
Biography
Garry Richardson joined the BBC on 9 September 1974. He was appointed as a junior researcher at the BBC Written Archives Centre at Caversham.
Garry got a job in BBC local radio in 1977, and worked at BBC Radio Solent, Radio Oxford, Radio Merseyside and Radio Nottingham. In 1980, Garry was invited to a three month trial to the BBC Radio Sport department at Broadcasting House in London.
Garry presented on the Radio 4 Today programme for the first time in March 1981. Later that year, Garry was part of the BBC team who covered the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
Garry first reported on the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in 1982.
Garry has interviewed a variety of personalities across sport, showbusiness and politics. This includes the former U.S President Bill Clinton, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, the former South African President Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, Ben Stiller, Samuel L Jackson and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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