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JohnMcBeth

  • Presenter
  • Commentator
John-McBeth-profile-image.jpg

John McBeth's commentating career began after injuries put paid to his senior rugby playing days. He became Radio New Zealand's lead rugby commentator in 1985 and took that position at TVNZ in 1992. With his trademark sense of humour never far away, he has covered Olympic and Commonwealth Games and America's Cup yachting along with many other sports.

Biography

The son of a Timaru grocer, John McBeth joined Radio New Zealand's programming department at its Timaru station Radio Caroline straight from school in 1967.

He was a passionate sports fan playing senior rugby as a winger and a utility back. His enthusiasm wasn't necessarily matched by his physique, and injuries became a regular occurrence. During one enforced lay off in 1970, he offered a sports service to Radio Caroline's Saturday music show. Broadcasting soon replaced playing on a permanent basis.

Screenography

2019 As: Himself Television
2019 As: Himself Series
Asian Games
2006 Commentator Television

“You have to be very patient with people. For them it’s a hobby but for me it’s my job as well as my hobby. It is almost all time consuming. But I love it.”

John McBeth in The Evening Post, 15 May 1992