Rich was born in 1992 (date unknown). He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science from the University of Central Lancashire (2013). He gained a Masters in radio production from the University of Chester (2018).
Whilst a student, he presented the student radio chart show on the university’s student radio station, The Cat Radio, for which he won an award at the annual Student Radio Association Awards.
He was club commentator at Chester Football Club (August 2016 – May 2018) and a freelance presenter at Everton Football Club (August 2020 – July 2021).
He gained broadcasting experience at the BBC, as a broadcast assistant in Salford (January 2018 – May 2018).
Since August 2021, he has freelanced as a commentator for IMG Media on EFL, League Cup and the Football League Trophy.
Since January 2022, he has been a freelance reporter for BBC One’s Final Score, providing live input into the programme.
On radio, he has worked for Global as a producer on Capital in Wrexham (October 2017 – August 2019) and since December 2018 he’s been presenting on Radio X.
Since December 2017, he has commentated on the English Premier League and the Bundesliga for Talksport.
In April 2024, he joined the network BBC TV announcing team as a freelancer. He made his debut on BBC Two on 23rd April 2024.
In 2024, he ran the London Marathon for Global’s Make Some Noise.
Rich is a regular commentator on the Europa League and Conference League for UEFA/Gravity Media. On Saturday 28th September 2024, he provided his first championship football commentary for Sky Sports: Sheffield Wednesday v West Bromwich Albion.
Correspondence
Paul R. Jackson corresponded with Rich in October 2024.
What did you do in Salford as a broadcast assistant and what did you work on?
“I assisted the Radio Manchester team on their evening sports shows and on match days, operated the radio desk and got reporters to air, as well as running the BBC social accounts.”
How did you become an announcer?
“I worked at Channel 4 as an announcer between August and December 2023, until they cut back on their freelance shifts.
“I got the gig, as I applied for a full-time role on the continuity team. I didn’t get the job, but they thought I was good enough to be hired a freelancer.
“Once Channel 4 told me that they wouldn’t need me, I got in touch with the BBC and sent across the demo.”
Who trained you at the BBC?
“Matthew Jackson in the London Broadcast Centre.
“My first continuity link was on 23rd April 23 this year. I was live on BBC Two.
“I have since regularly broadcast on BBC One, BBC One North, BBC Two and BBC Three.”
When was your first shift from Salford for BBC One North and is there any difference between Salford and London?
“It was on 21st May 2024. There’s no difference with the continuity booths in Salford and London (although you can see Old Trafford from the Salford office).
“I often cover BBC One North in the London office, with a producer up in Salford. We communicate through talkback on the playout desk.”
How many shifts per month do you normally get with the announcing team?
“I probably get a shift every week or two on average, as I have lots of other commitments with Radio X, football commentary etc.
“And I’m still the newest voice at the BBC and there are no plans to add any more for the foreseeable, apparently.”
Personal information
Clips of Rich on The TV Room
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Online presence
Acknowledgements
PICTURED: Rich Wolfenden. COPYRIGHT: Rich Wolfenden.
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