We Salute The Consummate Broadcaster!

Watching Everton vs Benfica in a Europa League group match is probably one game that perhaps only fans of the two sides are interested in alongside the cultured football spectator. You know the type. Their addiction to the game assumes an almost Wengeresque obsessive zeal. It isn't the football, though it isn't dull, that is holding my attention. It is the man presenting the action, Colin Murray, who I am interested in. No, not in that way but from the perspective that quite simply, he gets around. He's presented numerous music based shows on BBC Radio 1 and can be heard on 5Live's irreverent take on sports, 'Fighting Talk', as well as occasionally moonlighting as a presenter of Five's NFL coverage. Murray isn't the only broadcaster with more than one string to his bow.

Mark Lamaar is probably best known by most for appearing on TV's 'Shooting Stars' and 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks' however his fine record collection and cool radio style has made him a cult hit over the airwaves. Let's not forget a couple of British national treasures who have made the transition from comedy to becoming two accomplished broadcasters in their own right, namely well travelled Michael Palin and the ubiquitous Stephen Fry.

So is it easy to switch from one discipline to another? Certainly the aforementioned motley crew have earned recognition and command respect from audiences through virtue of the knowledge they impart and the mastery of their respective crafts. Transitions aren't always as easy as they seem with broadcasters often facing their own career crossroads to define their niche. 5Live's Richard Bacon, once famously sacked by children's TV show Blue Peter for admitting to taking cocaine, is one of the multi-skilled breed who has taken time to find his feet and whilst he has flitted between subjects, he was faced with the choice of fronting entertainment and music shows and going down the current affairs route and emerged as one of the BBC's brightest radio talents with a new afternoon slot on 5Live awaiting him in the new year.

With a seemingly never-ending plethora of interchangeable celebrities and broadcasters all vying for air-time, let's salute those who have carved out their own place in our collective consciousness through their endearing personalities, informed opinions and their ability to hold our attention whether they are espousing views on the latest reality TV show exit or a recent sporting triumph. Hurrah for the consumate broadcaster!