In the bustling heart of Shepherd’s Bush in London, a young Richard Kaufman pressed ‘play and record’ on a tape player to start an interview that, unknown to him, would lead him to a successful career in sports broadcasting that would take him round the world, becoming one of Sky’s longest-serving commentators.
“My dad ran a photography shop in Shepherds Bush: sometimes we’d get people like John Watson and football commentators coming in for passport photos because the BBC was nearby. Over the road was a record shop. A lot of Queens Park Rangers footballers came in for the independent music.”
“My dad’s best friend ran the record store, and he knew I was trying to get into media. I was trying to make a demo tape to send to the biggest independent sports station in the UK at the time, Capital Gold Sport. I knew players like Les Ferdinand and Clive Wilson came in, so said: ‘Would you ask them if they’d sit down with me for 10 minutes so I can interview them?’. They agreed, and so there I was, in the basement of this shop with Clive Wilson and Les Ferdinand.” That first interview led to Richard becoming a seasoned commentator and media entrepreneur. With a career spanning over 25 years, he’s donned various hats in television and radio, from reporter and interviewer to presenter and commentator.
His repertoire includes working with renowned broadcasters both in the UK and internationally, including TalkSport, ITN and Sky Sports. Establishing himself as a versatile voice in the world of sports media, he’s hosted programmes and commentated on some of the world’s most prestigious tournaments, from the Open Championship, World Snooker Championships, and Ryder Cup, to Premier League football, the Olympic Games and Wimbledon.
However, his path to success wasn’t always so clear-cut.
This match went down to extra points in the final set. The atmosphere and the drama were just fantastic, absolutely electric.
Despite harbouring early aspirations for a career in media, he initially found himself torn between his passion for sports and comedy. Yet, fate intervened when an opportunity arose to work as a runner for the comedy programme Whose Line Is It Anyway? Richard found that although he enjoyed being in the limelight, the punishing pace and potential downfall of comedy meant that he enjoyed his sports work far more.
Before his sports broadcasting career began, Richard studied European Studies with German at the University of Wolverhampton.
He hadn’t achieved the best grades at A-level, but was determined to experience the student lifestyle, and so applied through Clearing – not knowing much about it more than being familiar with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Molineux. Arriving at Wolverhampton, and not knowing anyone, he threw himself into student life with gusto: playing for the football team, going out in the Students’ Union, watching the Wolves whenever he could, and making life-long friends. He enjoyed independent studying and learning to research; honed his journalistic skills; and discovered a knack for public speaking.
As Richard’s career gained momentum, he found himself at the forefront of iconic sporting events, from commentating on Champions League finals to immersing himself in the drama of badminton championships. It’s the lesser-known sports that have sometimes given him the biggest thrill.
“I commentated on the 2011 Badminton World Championship final at Wembley Arena. It was a huge match between Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan, between China and Malaysia. Wembley Arena was full: think of a crowd wanting to see David Beckham, but maybe times it by 10. They’re megastars at home.
“This match went down to extra points in the final set. The atmosphere and the drama were just fantastic, absolutely electric. So even though it’s a sport that probably isn’t as well-known in this country, I feel affectionate about because it’s been a pretty special, if minor, part of my career.”
Yet, amidst the thrill of live broadcasts and exhilarating atmospheres, he remains grounded, recognising the challenges and sacrifices that come with his work.
He’s away from home almost half the year, and this has meant missing important family events at times. He’s travelled the world, regularly flying to Africa, the USA and the Middle East. In his own words: “In the first three months of the year I’ll have been in five continents” but doesn’t always get to see beyond the confines of the golf course and hotel.
“I enjoy the travel side of it, but it can be quite painful – I’m not always flying business class! It can really mess with your sleeping patterns too which isn’t healthy, so I try to make sure I exercise as much as possible. I can be away for two or three weeks at a time, but it’s not a holiday. I was in Florida the other week. We were stuck in the middle of nowhere – you’d expect the beach, but we were overlooking an 8-lane road! When I’m there, I’m working. I’ve got work to do to prepare for broadcast. Then if it’s been an all-day broadcast, it’s hard to squeeze in other things.”
I was in Florida the other week. We were stuck in the middle of nowhere – you’d expect the beach, but we were overlooking an 8-lane road!
With his work increasingly leaning towards golf, he found a passion in commentating on the greens. His dedication to the women’s game underscores his belief in its potential for growth and recognition, despite lingering disparities in prize funds and resources.
Beyond his on-air endeavours, Richard is on a mission to empower athletes in their transition from sports to media through his agency. Recognising the void left post-retirement for many sportsmen and women, he aims to provide comprehensive media training and support to equip them with the skills to navigate the spotlight with confidence.
“After competitive sport, there’s a huge gulf in athletes’ and sports players’ lives. You go from the camaraderie, especially for the team sport, of being around people the whole time and then suddenly nothing. There’s a vacuum to fill, and unfortunately for some it goes into a negative spiral.
“Some are happy to retire and with all the money that’s involved, they can have a good life. But many miss the competitive buzz and thrill. They’ve got to find it somewhere, whether that’s in business or in media. All these athletes are coached and have dietitians, physical trainers, mental coaches. I feel having someone like me that coaches them on the media side of things should be beneficial.”
Amid the jet-setting lifestyle and the demands of his profession, Richard remains rooted in gratitude for his formative years in Wolverhampton and the skills he gained. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of his education and experiences, shaping him into the seasoned broadcaster and mentor he is today.
Looking ahead, his journey continues. He’s as busy as ever commentating with Sky Sports, and is investing time with his own consultancy with a view to empower the next generation of sports broadcasters while he perhaps takes a step back in the future. As he embarks on his next chapter, one thing remains certain: Richard Kaufman’s passion for sports and media knows no bounds, and his voice will resonate across the airwaves for years to come.
