Jim Rosenthal

Jim Rosenthal (born 6 November 1947) is a sports presenter on British television.

Early life

Rosenthal grew up in Oxford and attended Josca's Preparatory School before going to Magdalen College School. He then joined the staff of the Oxford Mail went on to BBC local and national radio.^{[citation needed]}

Broadcasting career

In his radio career Rosenthal presented Sports Report on the then Radio 2 for several years. He was also the journalist on duty at BBC Radio Birmingham on the night of the Birmingham Pub Bombings.^{[citation needed]}

In his television career, which began when he joined ITV in August 1980, he has presented football, boxing and athletics, plus other minor sports. He has also been part of the teams covering the FIFA World Cup since 1982 and the Olympic Games.^{[citation needed]} He worked on three Rugby World cup campaigns for ITV, including presenting the victorious 2003 final. In 2011 he presented the Rugby World Cup for the OSN network based in Dubai and watched throughout the Middle East and Africa.

He was the presenter for Formula One (F1) on ITV for eight years and has presented over 150 Grands Prix since 1997. Rosenthal grew into his role as ITV F1 anchor, and gained popularity with his direct questioning of leading figures in the sport.^{[citation needed]}

Rosenthal (left) with boxer Errol Christie, pictured in the 1980s

2005 saw him return to boxing as ITV got back in the ring on Saturday nights.^{[citation needed]} In October 2005, it was announced that Steve Rider had been recruited by ITV from BBC Sport, to assume Rosenthal's former role for the 2006 Formula One season.^{[citation needed]}

Rosenthal instead became the new 'face' of ITV Champions League football coverage, as well as their boxing output. He left by saying: "Covering Formula One has been an amazing time for me and I've really enjoyed the sport, but I don't think I ever made a secret of the fact that football is my first love."^{[citation needed]}

In 2006, Rosenthal worked on his seventh World Cup^{[citation needed]} and he continued to front ITV's Big Fight Live boxing coverage throughout the year.^{[citation needed]}

He also presented ITV4's Champions League Live show and the channel's live match coverage, until he was dropped for the 2008 games, attracting much controversy within the media.^{[citation needed]}

Internationally, Rosenthal regularly hosted the UEFA Gala Dinner in Monaco, a football spectacular that is broadcast across the world.

Jim filmed Superstars for Channel Five in May 2008 at K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley West Sussex.^{[citation needed]}

He currently presents the live FA Cup draws for ITV. FA Cup,^{[citation needed]} and editions of BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek show while regular presenter Garry Richardson is on holiday.^{[citation needed]}

In 2010, Rosenthal reported for ITV Sport during the opening ceremony for the World Cup.

In September 2010, Rosenthal joined the British broadcaster Channel Five to front their Europa League football coverage. His first appearance was on 16 September covering the game between Liverpool and Steaua Bucharest from Anfield.

In 2011, Rosenthal became the lead presenter on the boxing channel BoxNation.

Acting

Rosenthal has tried his hand at acting in Renford Rejects and Footballers' Wives.

Awards

Rosenthal was named Royal Television Society Sports Presenter of the Year in 1997 and 1999^{[citation needed]} and has won other awards at home and abroad. He was the main anchor of ITV's BAFTA winning coverage of the 2003 Rugby World Cup, which took him to Australia for the final.^{[citation needed]}

Personal life

Rosenthal has always been a loyal supporter of his childhood home team of Oxford United. He famously wore an Oxford United hat whilst hosting the ITV coverage of the Milk (League) Cup final in 1986 from Wembley Stadium.^{[citation needed]} On 15 June 2010, Rosenthal was announced as a member of the Oxford United board of directors.

His 23-year-old son, Tom Rosenthal, is a comedian and stars in Friday Night Dinner; which began in February 2011 on Channel 4.

External links

• Jim Rosenthal itv.com

Awards
Preceded by None	RTS Television Sport Awards Best Sports Presenter 1997	Succeeded by Des Lynam
Preceded by Des Lynam	RTS Television Sport Awards Best Sports Presenter 1999	Succeeded by Mark Nicholas