Broadcasters Honoured for Contributions
A number of prominent radio broadcasters and DJs have been acknowledged in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026. Among those receiving recognition are individuals from various sectors of broadcasting, including music, charity, and sport, highlighting their significant contributions over many years.
Carl Cox, a DJ and broadcaster, has been awarded an OBE for his services to music. Cox has been a major figure in dance music for over four decades, performing globally and presenting shows on radio and online platforms. Similarly, broadcaster and musician Cerys Matthews, known for her programmes on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music, also received an OBE for services to music. Matthews was previously made an MBE in 2014.
George Bowie, a broadcaster, was awarded an MBE for his services to radio and charity in Glasgow and the west of Scotland. Bowie has hosted breakfast on Clyde 1 for nearly three decades and is recognised for his fundraising efforts with various charities across Scotland. He expressed his delight at receiving the honour, praising his colleagues and family for their support.
Julius O’Riordan, known as Judge Jules, a DJ and broadcaster, received an MBE for his services to music, entertainment law, and young people. The former BBC Radio 1 presenter described the honour as a reward for his industry, acknowledging the growth of electronic music from a niche area to a global business. He also noted that the award recognises the contribution of British dance music culture.
Additionally, broadcaster Anneka Rice was awarded an MBE for services to charity and broadcasting. Veteran BBC sport presenter Garry Richardson also received an MBE for services to sport broadcasting, marking a career spanning more than four decades. At the BEM level, Neil Blanks was recognised for his services to hospital radio in Gosport and Portsmouth. These honours collectively recognise contributions across commercial radio, BBC broadcasting, sports broadcasting, community radio, and the UK’s music industry.
Football Figures Honoured
Two notable figures associated with Manchester United have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for their contributions to football. Former player Lou Macari and ex-youth coach Tony Whelan were both awarded MBEs.
Lou Macari, a former Scotland international who played for Celtic and Manchester United, received his MBE for services to football and to homeless people in Stoke-on-Trent. Macari founded the Macari Foundation in 2016 after witnessing the housing crisis in the area. He managed Stoke across two spells between 1991 and 1997 and settled in the town. Macari shared that his work with the homeless began after encountering six individuals in Stoke on a cold winter’s night, leading him to seek assistance from the council to provide shelter.
Tony Whelan, who came through Manchester United’s youth ranks as a player in the late 1960s and early 1970s, returned to the club in 1990. He embarked on a 34-year coaching and mentoring career within the academy. Before his retirement at the end of 2024, Whelan held vital roles such as Head of Academy Coaching, overseeing the development of 97 academy graduates who made their first-team debuts.
Other sports personalities also received honours. Kevin Sinfield was knighted for services to rugby league, rugby union, and the MND community. Neil Fox received a CBE for services to rugby league and the community in West Yorkshire. David Dein, former Arsenal vice-chairman, was awarded an OBE for services to football and charity. Golfer Luke Donald, snooker player Shaun Murphy, and former rugby union player Emily Scarratt also received OBEs for their services to their respective sports.
Several footballers were among those receiving MBEs, including Michelle Agyemang, Jess Carter, Hannah Hampton, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, and Alessia Russo, all recognised for their services to football. Former Wales and Tottenham footballer Cliff Jones also received an MBE for services to Welsh football. The honours list includes a wide array of individuals from various sports, acknowledging their significant contributions.
Ryan Moore, a jockey, was awarded an MBE for services to horseracing and British sport. The King’s Birthday Honours List for 2026 recognised a total of 35 sports stars.
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Source: radiotoday.co.uk
