Major broadcast change as iconic BBC Sport presenter steps down from role after 50 YEARS

8 months ago 63

BBC have announced that long-serving presenter Garry Richardson is leaving in a major change.

The much-loved 68-year-old is stepping down from BBC Radio Four’s Today programme in the autumn.

Long-serving presenter Garry Richardson is leaving BBC Radio 4’s Today this year[/caption]

BBC have announced the departure of an iconic name this week also[/caption]

He is set to present the sports news on September 9 for the final time.

And that will mark the precise 50th anniversary since he started work at the Beeb as a junior researcher.

Richardson has worked on the Today programme since 1981.

But he has also hosted the hit Sportsweek programme on Sunday mornings on BBC Radio 5 Live for 20 years until it ended in 2019.

He said: “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.”

Richardson entertained and informed millions of listeners throughout his half a century of service for the broadcaster.

And BBC’s director-general Tim Davie described him as “legendary presenter”.

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He said: “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.”

The Richardson announcement comes just two days after another huge exit was confirmed.

BBC confirmed that Jonathan Agnew would be standing down as their chief cricket correspondent following the end of the summer.

He will, however, continue to commentate on the BBC’s Test Match Special broadcasts for four more years.

The 64-year-old has been at the helm of the Beeb’s cricket coverage for a mega 33 YEARS following his appointment as Christopher Martin-Jenkins’ successor.

But the former Leicestershire ace has decided now is the time to move on to pastures new.

The expiration of Agnew’s contract coincides with the end of the BBC’s current exclusive radio broadcast deal for all international and domestic cricket in England and Wales.