I’m a broadcaster, presenter and communications professional with more than two decades of experience working across UK radio, live events and public speaking. My career has included successful presenting roles across major commercial stations and the BBC, interviewing some of the world’s biggest artists and entertainers while building a reputation for warm, engaging and confident live broadcasting. I currently work as a cover presenter across BBC Local Radio and am also the lead male voice across the BBC Local Radio network in England. Alongside my broadcasting work, I host live events and work as a qualified Celebrant, creating and delivering personal ceremonies for weddings and funerals. Whether I’m behind a microphone, on stage hosting a conversation or leading an important life event, my focus is always the same: connecting with people, telling stories well and creating moments that feel meaningful and memorable. I also work with organisations to develop confident communicators through public speaking training and coaching. Drawing on years of live broadcasting experience, I’ve delivered workshops and sessions for businesses and public bodies including Transport for Greater Manchester, Manchester City Council, Burness Paull Solicitors and EpiUse Labs, helping teams improve presentation skills, storytelling and audience engagement. With a background as an English graduate and a lifelong love of books and storytelling, I’m particularly drawn to opportunities that bring people together through conversation and shared experience. From radio shows and live events to ceremonies and literary discussions, I enjoy creating spaces where people feel relaxed, engaged and part of something special.

Alex James Atkinson

I’m a broadcaster, presenter and communications professional with more than two decades of experience working across UK radio, live events and public speaking. My career has included successful presenting roles across major commercial stations and the BBC, interviewing some of the world’s biggest artists and entertainers while building a reputation for warm, engaging and confident live broadcasting. I currently work as a cover presenter across BBC Local Radio and am also the lead male voice across the BBC Local Radio network in England. Alongside my broadcasting work, I host live events and work as a qualified Celebrant, creating and delivering personal ceremonies for weddings and funerals. Whether I’m behind a microphone, on stage hosting a conversation or leading an important life event, my focus is always the same: connecting with people, telling stories well and creating moments that feel meaningful and memorable. I also work with organisations to develop confident communicators through public speaking training and coaching. Drawing on years of live broadcasting experience, I’ve delivered workshops and sessions for businesses and public bodies including Transport for Greater Manchester, Manchester City Council, Burness Paull Solicitors and EpiUse Labs, helping teams improve presentation skills, storytelling and audience engagement. With a background as an English graduate and a lifelong love of books and storytelling, I’m particularly drawn to opportunities that bring people together through conversation and shared experience. From radio shows and live events to ceremonies and literary discussions, I enjoy creating spaces where people feel relaxed, engaged and part of something special.

Available to hire

I’m a broadcaster, presenter and communications professional with more than two decades of experience working across UK radio, live events and public speaking.

My career has included successful presenting roles across major commercial stations and the BBC, interviewing some of the world’s biggest artists and entertainers while building a reputation for warm, engaging and confident live broadcasting. I currently work as a cover presenter across BBC Local Radio and am also the lead male voice across the BBC Local Radio network in England.

Alongside my broadcasting work, I host live events and work as a qualified Celebrant, creating and delivering personal ceremonies for weddings and funerals.

Whether I’m behind a microphone, on stage hosting a conversation or leading an important life event, my focus is always the same: connecting with people, telling stories well and creating moments that feel meaningful and memorable.

I also work with organisations to develop confident communicators through public speaking training and coaching. Drawing on years of live broadcasting experience, I’ve delivered workshops and sessions for businesses and public bodies including Transport for Greater Manchester, Manchester City Council, Burness Paull Solicitors and EpiUse Labs, helping teams improve presentation skills, storytelling and audience engagement.

With a background as an English graduate and a lifelong love of books and storytelling, I’m particularly drawn to opportunities that bring people together through conversation and shared experience. From radio shows and live events to ceremonies and literary discussions, I enjoy creating spaces where people feel relaxed, engaged and part of something special.

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Work Experience

Cover Presenter at BBC Radio Manchester & BBC Radio Lancashire
March 1, 2025 - Present
Currently a cover presenter across both stations, primarily serving as sub for BBC Radio Manchester Breakfast.
Family & Funeral Celebrant at Self-employed
January 1, 2024 - Present
Qualified with UKSoC. Scripted and led numerous wedding and funeral ceremonies, delivering highly personalised services with sensitivity and warmth.
Breakfast Presenter at XS Manchester
June 1, 2020 - January 1, 2025
Hosted the flagship Breakfast Show for five years, broadcasting live five days a week and delivering record audience figures.
Voice Over Artist at BBC Local Radio Network
January 1, 2020 - Present
Lead male voice across the BBC Local Radio network in England, providing branding, trails and promotional voice work.
Podcast Producer & Presenter at Freelance
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Creator, producer and presenter of highly successful podcasts, including the TfGM Podcast and Ten Years of One Direction.
Visiting Lecturer at University of Chester
September 1, 2018 - May 31, 2024
Lectured within the Media Department on various modules related to radio broadcasting and production.
Public Speaking Coach at Freelance
January 1, 2017 - Present
Delivered tailored public speaking and presentation training to various businesses and public bodies.
Presenter at Bauer Media / Hits Radio Network
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2020
Presented across major Bauer stations, achieving weekly audiences of over one million listeners and interviewing major international artists.
Tutor at Bauer Academy
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2020
Principal tutor delivering Bauer Academy sessions within radio stations and schools, offering practical insight into radio broadcasting and media careers.
Contributor at BBC Radio Five Live
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2019
Regular contributor, notably appearing on the ‘Back Row’ feature on the Phil Williams Show.
Presenter at Century Radio
October 1, 2007 - December 31, 2008
Presented networked shows across the North from the Manchester base.
Presenter at XFM Manchester
March 1, 2006 - September 30, 2007
Part of the original on-air line-up for XFM Manchester.
Presenter at Wish FM
August 1, 2004 - March 31, 2006
Initially hosted evening shows before promotion to Breakfast Show presenter.
Recruitment Officer at The University of Manchester
June 1, 2003 - August 31, 2004
Worked within Undergraduate Recruitment and Admissions, promoting the university to prospective students.
Academic Affairs Officer at Manchester University Students’ Union
June 1, 2002 - June 1, 2003
Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Students’ Union.
Station Manager at Fuse FM, University of Manchester
September 1, 2000 - September 30, 2001
Led the creation and management of a new student radio station, overseeing programming, staffing and operations.

Education

BA (Hons) Combined Studies in History and Literary Studies at The University of Manchester
September 1, 1999 - June 1, 2002
A Levels at Danum Sixth Form College, Doncaster
September 1, 1997 - June 1, 1999
GCSEs at Ridgewood Comprehensive School, Doncaster
September 1, 1993 - June 1, 1997

Qualifications

Family & Funeral Celebrant
January 1, 2024 - June 2, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education