Sports presenter Garry Richardson to leave BBC Radio 4 Today programme

Garry Richardson is to step down from presenting sports news on BBC Radio 4’s Today this autumn.

After presenting the sports news on Today for 43 years, Gary’s last day will be on 9th September which will be exactly 50 years to the day since he joined the BBC.

He was appointed as a junior researcher at the BBC Written Archives Centre at Caversham on 9th September 1974.

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, he was invited to a three-month trial to the BBC Radio Sport department at Broadcasting House in London and it was in March 1981 that he presented on the Radio 4 Today programme for the first time.

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.”