Colin Berry: A Life of Broadcasting

Strategic Insights -

Colin Berry had a passion for radio that began at a young age, presenting his first show to his parents when he was 10 or 11. He went on to spend nearly 40 years as a newsreader on BBC Radio 2, reading his first bulletin in 1973 and his last in 2012. Berry's career was marked by many notable events, including the death of Princess Diana and the devastating great storm of 1987, which nearly claimed his life. In his later years, he presented various shows on Radio 2, including Night Ride and The Late Show, and held the record for being Terry Wogan's UK-based sidekick during the Eurovision Song Contest for 25 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Colin Berry spent nearly 40 years as a newsreader on BBC Radio 2, reading his first bulletin in 1973 and his last in 2012.
  • He was the first voice to inform Radio 2 listeners of the death of Princess Diana on August 31, 1997, which affected him deeply.
  • Berry was also the voice that informed listeners of the devastating great storm of 1987, which nearly claimed his life.
  • He presented numerous shows on Radio 2, including Night Ride, The Late Show, and Music Through Midnight, and held the record for being Terry Wogan's UK-based sidekick during the Eurovision Song Contest for 25 years.
  • Berry's role on the Eurovision Song Contest included reading out the points awarded by Britain to the other contestants.
  • He was recognized as the safest pair of hands with a voice that was authoritative yet comforting.
  • After formally retiring from the BBC in 2006, Berry continued reading the news for another six years on a freelance fee.
  • Berry was born on January 29, 1946, and died on April 16, 2025, aged 79.

Statistics:

  • Almost 40 years passed since Berry first read a news bulletin on BBC Radio 2 in 1973.
  • Berry's first voice informing Radio 2 listeners of the death of Princess Diana was on August 31, 1997.
  • The great storm of 1987, which nearly claimed Berry's life, occurred on October 16, 1987.
  • Berry held the record for being Terry Wogan's UK-based sidekick during the Eurovision Song Contest for 25 years.
  • BBC Radio 2 became a 24-hour station in 1979.
  • Colin Berry spent over 43 years in broadcasting.

Sources:

  • Berry, Colin. 1946 (birth year).
  • Berry, Colin. April 16, 2025 (date of death).
  • BBC Radio 2. 1973 (year Berry first read a news bulletin).
  • BBC Radio 2. 2012 (year Berry last read a news bulletin).
  • Wembley Grammar. (Berry's school).
  • Brocket Hall. (stately home where Berry was born).
  • Grenada TV. (where Berry first worked as a studio technician).
  • Westward TV. (where Berry sold ads).
  • Radio Caroline. (where Berry worked as assistant traffic manager).
  • Yorkshire TV. (where Berry worked).
  • Radio Medway. (where Berry first presented a Saturday afternoon music and sports show).
  • BBC Three Counties Radio. (where Berry continued to broadcast until 2019).