Kevin Gearey, a stalwart of the television news coverage of sport for 32 years, is leaving the BBC at the end of the month.
The announcement was made to BBC Sport staff yesterday lunchtime, when a Corporation executive described the reporter as “a one-off, a unique talent and quite simply irreplaceable”. Another called him “a master” of his craft.
Gearey, 56, joined the BBC in March 1979 – two months before Mrs Thatcher moved in to No10. Since then, he became a regular in BBC news bulletins on television and radio, covering a range of sporting events.
“Kevin has been an outstanding sports correspondent for the BBC,” Richard Burgess, head of sports news at BBC Sport, told staff.
“The quality of his writing and the originality of his thinking have shone through in every one of his reports. Each has invariably been delivered with wit and panache – whether on TV or radio – and with a truly distinctive style.
“He is a one-off, a unique talent and quite simply irreplaceable.”
UPCOMING SJA DATES
Tue Apr 5: SJA Olympic Question Time. Click here to find out more
Wed Apr 13: SJA 2011 Annual Meeting, at offices of UK Sport, Russell Square. Strictly SJA members only.
Wed Dec 7: SJA 2011 British Sports Awards – note the date in your diary now.
All details subject to alteration. Keep checking sportsjournalists.co.uk for updates