Richard Baker (broadcaster) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Baker
OBE RD
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Presenting BBC News in 1982
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| Born |
Richard Douglas James Baker
15 June 1925 |
| Died | 17 November 2018 (aged 93) Oxford, England
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| Occupation | Broadcaster (BBC News) |
| Years active | 1954–2007 |
| Spouse(s) |
Margaret Martin
(m. 1961) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Albert Baker Jane Isobel Baker (née Baxter) |
Richard Douglas James Baker (born June 15, 1925 – died November 17, 2018) was a famous English broadcaster. He was best known for reading the news on BBC News from 1954 to 1982. He also presented many classical music shows on radio. Richard Baker was the first person to read the news (in a voice-over) for BBC Television News in 1954.
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Early Life and War Service
Richard Baker was born in Willesden, North London. His father was a plasterer. He went to Kilburn Grammar School and later studied at Peterhouse, Cambridge University.
During World War II, Richard Baker paused his studies. He joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He served on a minesweeper ship. This ship helped protect important supply convoys. These convoys sailed to the Soviet Union in the Arctic. For his brave service, he received the Royal Naval Reserve decoration. In 2015, he was also given the Ushakov Medal. This medal honored his role in the Arctic convoys.
A Career in Broadcasting
After finishing university, Richard Baker worked briefly as an actor and a teacher. He then wrote to the BBC, asking if they were hiring. This led to his first job with them. He started by presenting classical music on the BBC Third Programme.
First BBC Newsreader
On July 5, 1954, Richard Baker introduced the very first BBC television news broadcast. Although John Snagge read the actual news, Richard Baker was the one who introduced the program. He became a familiar voice and face for millions of viewers.
Music Programs and More
Richard Baker was a talented pianist. He loved classical music. He presented many music programs on both TV and radio. For many years, he hosted the live broadcast from the Last Night of the Proms. He was also a regular guest on the classical music quiz show Face the Music.
On the radio, he presented popular shows like Baker's Dozen and Start the Week on BBC Radio 4. He also hosted Mozart, These You Have Loved, and Melodies for You on BBC Radio 2. For a long time, he presented Your Hundred Best Tunes on Sunday nights. He retired from this show in 2007. In 1995, he also worked for Classic FM.
Children's Shows and Cameos
Richard Baker also used his voice for children's programs. He narrated Mary, Mungo and Midge (1969) and Teddy Edward (1973). These were popular children's cartoon series for the BBC. He also narrated Sergei Prokofiev's famous story for children, Peter and the Wolf.
He even made guest appearances in some comedy shows. He appeared in three episodes of Monty Python's Flying Circus. He was also in the 1977 Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show.
Personal Life
Richard Baker married Margaret Martin on June 2, 1961. They had known each other since they were children. Their mothers were friends. Richard and Margaret had two sons. Their son Andrew became a sports columnist. Their son James became a television executive.
Richard Baker passed away on November 17, 2018, at the age of 93. He died in Oxford, England. After his death, fellow BBC journalist John Simpson said that Richard Baker was "one of the finest newsreaders of modern times." He described him as intelligent, thoughtful, gentle, and strong in his beliefs.
