Matt was born in Newcastle. He moved to Leeds and went to Leeds Beckett University aged 18. He was a digital brand ambassador for the university’s website (2019 – 2020).
In 2020, he joined BBC Radio Leeds as a broadcast assistant. In July 2022, he began presenting on the station.
Aged 23, he was one of seven successful candidates to be selected as a channel announcer on the newly relaunched BBC Three in February 2022.
On 8th July 2022 he made his BBC One debut announcing on the morning shift.
He made his debut doing live evening announcements from Salford for BBC One North on 22nd July 2022.
In December 2023, he was on duty for BBC One’s Christmas Day late shift, broadcasting from the Salford playout facility.
Correspondence
Paul R. Jackson corresponded with Matt in September 2024 about his career.
Did you study anything that led to your career in broadcasting?
“I studied journalism. However my career in broadcasting is predominantly an interest that I pursued outside of my studies.”
What year did you join BBC Leeds and are you freelance or staff?
“I started working as a freelancer at Radio Leeds in late-2020.
“I’ve produced every show on the station at one point or another, but predominantly work with the sports team, covering West Yorkshire’s professional football teams, as well as rugby league.
“I still freelance for them, and have never been (nor intend to be) staff.”
Had you always wanted to move behind the microphone and how did you get to be chosen as one of the BBC Three announcers when it relaunched?
“I’ve always been outgoing – I loved being in stage productions at school, and I was part of the TV and Radio societies at university (both as a presenter and producer). But being behind the microphone was never particularly a life goal.
“I saw the opportunity to become a voice relaunching BBC Three on social media and submitted an application. The initial stage was a short demo tape recommending a TV show to a friend, and from there the application process became more particular to continuity (writing scripts, knowing audiences).”
Are all the BBC Three announcements pre-recorded and where do you broadcast them from?
“BBC Three continuity has been pre-recorded since its relaunch, and I personally write and record in Media City (Salford), but we do continue to have our London office as well.”
Seven names for BBC Three were released – did you meet the others who were chosen?
“Of the 10 that were selected, I think you’ve got the seven that made it to air. There were three that didn’t quite get a chance to be a voice of BBC Three as far as I know, and I can’t recall their names as I only met them on a single zoom call.”
When was your first broadcast in February 2022 on BBC Three and do you still broadcast on the channel?
“My first broadcast on BBC Three was on 2nd February 2022 and I do still broadcast on BBC Three.”
Do you have the date of your first network announcing shift on the main channels and who trained you?
“8th July is correct. It was BBC One. I was trained by Ashleigh (Ash) Whitfield.”
Can you confirm your first BBC One North shift from Salford?
“Technically my first broadcast from Salford, would have been the pre-recorded BBC Three announcements on 2nd February. 8th July was my first live broadcast – we use the same office.”
Is there any difference between providing continuity in Salford, as opposed to London?
“There’s no difference working from Salford or London as far as I’m aware. It just depends where the announcer is based. I am welcome to work from London if I ever find myself needing to, however the occasion has not presented itself yet.”
What was it like to chosen to work on Christmas Day?
“Being chosen to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was an honour.
“I’ve spent many Christmases myself in front of the box, watching the best of the BBC, so to be the voice to join everyone across the nation was a special moment.
“I’d say it’s probably the highlight of my career so far, even if I did butcher the introduction to EastEnders!”
Personal information
Clips of Matt on The TV Room
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Online presence
Acknowledgements
PICTURED: Matt Livingstone. COPYRIGHT: Matt Livingstone.
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