Richard Askam

Richard Askam is a long-serving sports presenter and reporter, best known for his 25-year tenure at BBC North West Tonight. Having covered local matches to interviewing international icons like Usain Bolt, he has captivated audiences with his engaging stories and passion for sport. Away from the screen, Richard is a dedicated mental health campaigner, making him a highly regarded broadcaster and citizen.

From Literature to Launchpad: The Genesis of a Broadcaster

Richard Askam’s journey began not on the edge of a stadium but between the pages of books. Having graduated in English literature from Birmingham University, he went abroad to teach English in Japan as part of the JET Programme.

From there, this international experience broadened his horizons and sparked a passion for engaging with people through storytelling. Consequently, he made a firm decision, substituting novels with news scripts in doing his broadcast journalism at the University of Central Lancashire and thereby positioning himself for life.

Captivating Screens and Chasing Dreams: The Ascent at BBC North West Tonight

Now picture this: Richard Askam delivers his inaugural on-camera report, covering the solemn D-Day anniversaries. Instantly, he embarked on a 25-year romance with BBC North West Tonight. He grew into a solid reporter over the years, nimbly framing both the giddy highs of victory and the stomach-churning lows of defeat.

From the earsplitting cacophony of football stadiums to the hushed intensity of cricket ovals, Richard brought the drama and excitement of sport to life in front of audiences right across the North West. And on top of that, he had the incredible honor of interviewing sporting legends like Tyson Fury, Usain Bolt, and Sir Steve Redgrave!

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Beyond the Airwaves: Awards, Accolades, and a Lasting Legacy

Richard’s passion extended beyond personal achievement; instead, he always wanted to be part of something bigger than himself. At BBC North West Tonight, he played a pivotal role in making the show successful, later earning numerous awards, including the much-coveted Royal Television Society North West 2024 Award for Best Regional News Programme.

Above all, he reminds us that true success is not only about career success. But also about the good we leave in the world.

A New Adventure Unfolds: Farewell, For Now…

In February 2025, Richard Askam announced his departure from BBC North West Tonight. Having served with dedication for twenty years, he felt that this was the moment for change, a chance to explore new frontiers. Though plans for the future remain a secret, this is certain: Richard’s tireless passion for storytelling and meeting people will propel him toward great new horizons.

More Than a Presenter: A Heart for the Community

Off the TV screen, Richard Askam proves to be a strong supporter of mental health awareness. His unwavering dedication to helping local charities in the North West region speaks volumes about his values and personality.

To be specific, he actively participates in events that are geared towards raising awareness of mental health issues as well as helping local communities. Ultimately, Richard’s unshakeable dedication proves that his need to make an impact extends much further than the broadcasting world.