Hugh Sykes first worked for the BBC at Radio Oxford, as a student in 1970. His first 'proper job' was as a reporter and programe editor for 'Britain's first legal commercial radio station' - LBC in London - in 1973 and 1974.
He has worked continuously for the BBC since then, starting as a reporter and presenter for Points West BBC TV in Bristol.
In 1978, Today on Radio 4 offered him a 'probationary contract' for three weeks; he stayed nearly ten years - reporting from Britain and overseas, and often presenting the programme alongside Brian Redhead and John Timpson.
His Today assignments included the Carter-Reagan Presidential election in the USA and the miners' strike in Britain in 1984.
In 1987, PM hired Hugh as a presenter - working with Robert Williams, Gordon Clough, Valerie Singleton, Frances Coverdale, Libby Fawbert, Chris Lowe and Frank Partridge. After six years, he went back on the road as a reporter - for PM, TheWorld at One, TheWorld This Weekend and Broadcasting House.
Hugh has reported extensively from Iraq, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, the occupied Palestinian Territories, South Africa, Germany and Northern Ireland. He has also sent features from India, China, Syria, Russia, France, Italy and Spain.
He has survived a roadside bomb in Iraq, a death threat in Northern Ireland, and striking miners in Wigan who tried to throw him into a canal.
In 2004 and 2005, Hugh won the Gold and Silver Sony Radio Academy awards for Journalist of the Year.
Hugh Sykes first worked for the BBC at Radio Oxford, as a student in 1970. His first 'proper job' was as a reporter and programe editor for 'Britain's first legal commercial radio station' - LBC in London - in 1973 and 1974. 
