September 6th 2024.
After an impressive 43-year career and five decades at the BBC, veteran radio presenter Garry Richardson has decided to bid farewell to the station. His journey began in 1977 when he started his radio career at a local station. In 1981, at the young age of 24, he made his first sports report on national radio as a "cub" reporter for Today. He then worked his way up to become a regular presenter on the show.
Throughout his time at the BBC, the 67-year-old also hosted the Sunday morning sports program Sportsweek on BBC Radio 5 Live until 2019. And just this year, in April, he announced that he would be stepping down from BBC Radio 4 in September to coincide with his 50th anniversary at the BBC.
As the longest-running contributor to the Today program, Richardson has had many memorable moments behind the mic. But it was during a recent interview with The Times that he became emotional reflecting on his time as a host. "I get a bit emotional, looking back," he shared.
Throughout his illustrious career, Richardson has had the opportunity to interview some of the biggest names in sports, showbiz, and politics, from former US President Bill Clinton to boxer Muhammad Ali. He's also had conversations with Dionne Warwick, Nelson Mandela, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
When asked about his plans for his final show, Richardson revealed that he has a specific date and time in mind. "I intend to leave the building on September 9, 2024 at exactly 9:45am, having been contracted to start work at the same time on September 9, 1974," he shared. He even joked that he would have to leave any farewell party on time because he's "so obsessed with time."
But Richardson also opened up about the challenges of his early starts as he's gotten older. To be able to present his morning show, he had to start going to bed at 8:30pm, but rarely managed to sleep all the way through to his alarm. "It's tough - it takes a physical toll," he admitted. "These days, I set my clock for 2:45am. But I don't know the last time it went off. I'm always already awake."
While Richardson may have inspired the character of Alan Partridge, played by Steve Coogan, he humbly denies it. "Actually, I once interviewed Coogan and he denied it was me," he shared. "But I'd like to think, over the years, I might have done a few quotes that were a bit Partridge." Richardson also acknowledged that "there's a bit of Alan Partridge in every sports broadcaster."
As he prepares for his final broadcast, Richardson has admitted to being "worried to death" but also excited for what the future holds. He will miss his colleagues, but stepping back from his early morning starts will allow him to spend more time with his three adult children and two-year-old granddaughter.
And for loyal listeners, Richardson assures them that he's not completely leaving. "I'll still be broadcasting from time to time," he shared. "The only difference will be I won't be setting my alarm for 2:45am and that's a lovely thought." BBC director general Tim Davie also praised Richardson's impressive career, saying, "50 years at the BBC is an incredible milestone."
But Richardson isn't slowing down just yet. In fact, he's got some exciting plans for the future. "I'll be keeping myself busy," he shared. "I'll be writing a book, maybe doing some after-dinner speaking and a bit of TV work." And as he moves on to new adventures, we can't wait to see what's next for this legendary BBC presenter.
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