A BBC newsreader and author, best known for being the first person to read the news on BBC Television in 1954, and for his distinctive style and voice.
Richard Baker, renowned for his iconic voice and presenting style, is best known for his 28-year tenure as a newsreader for BBC News from 1954 to 1982. Concurrently, he was a respected radio presenter of classical music, introducing the nation to the world of orchestral masterpieces.
Born on June 15, 1925, in Willesden, North London, Baker was the eldest son of a plasterer. He received his education at Kilburn Grammar School and later at Peterhouse, Cambridge. His undergraduate years were punctuated by war service in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during World War II, where he served on a minesweeper that protected the Allied Arctic supply convoys to the USSR.
After graduating from Cambridge University, Baker worked as an actor and teacher before joining the BBC. He began his broadcasting career presenting classical music on the BBC Third Programme, and soon became a household name. On July 5, 1954, he introduced the first BBC television news broadcast, although John Snagge read the actual bulletin.
Baker's love for classical music saw him present numerous music programs on both television and radio. He was a regular panellist on the classical music quiz show Face the Music and presented the annual live broadcast from the Last Night of the Proms. His radio programs, such as Bakers Dozen, Start the Week on Radio 4, Mozart, These You Have Loved, and Melodies for You, became staples of British broadcasting.
In 1995, he ventured into independent radio with a morning show, and later presented Your Hundred Best Tunes for BBC Radio 2 on Sunday nights until his retirement in 2007.
Baker's contributions to broadcasting were recognized with the award of the Royal Naval Reserve decoration for his wartime service. In May 2015, he was awarded the Ushakov Medal for his service in the Arctic convoys of World War II.
Richard Baker's legacy extends beyond his broadcasting career. He was a pioneer in the world of classical music broadcasting, introducing generations of Britons to the works of Mozart, Beethoven, and other great composers. His smooth, authoritative voice and effortless presentation style set the standard for newsreaders and music presenters alike.
Baker passed away on November 17, 2018, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to public service broadcasting and classical music.
Throughout his long and distinguished career, Richard Baker remained humble and committed to his craft, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and the nation. His contribution to British broadcasting will forever be remembered as a testament to his enduring legacy.
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