Sad news that Keith Macklin who used to commentate on "RL Action" for Granada in the 1980s has passed away. Of course in the 80s that programme was the only source for seeing action of league games - on tv anyway.

He also used to do Wigan games for Red Rose Radio which he helped launch in 1982 (which today is known as Rock FM)and was a Blackburn Rovers football commentator for that station until they stopped doing sport in 1999 - this is where I heard him most.

He also wrote the book "The history of Rugby League football".

Until recently Keith was reporting on games for BBC GMR.

A top voice and a top RL supporter. RIP

Keith used to do quite a bit for Micron Video as well. He commentated on several of the Charity Shield matches on the Isle of Man, and I'm sure stood in for John McDermott a few time. He also presented the 1986-87 season review (as did Eddie Hemmings a few years later)

I found him a bit too posh sounding in an era where northern-ness was a positive for RL. I'd love someone who sounds like him to be the voice of RL now.

I was just about to post that I'll always remember him form the 86-87 review. I think I know that introduction off by heart! RIP Keith.

IIRC Macklins connection with RL broadcasting goes back to the 1960's.

I am really gutted to read this sad news.

Keith was a lovelly bloke. A real top man who always had time for people amd would go out of his way to help you anyway he could.

A real shame.

R.I.P.

RIP I heard the new on a radio station before very sad news for the sport and commentating world.

I remember getting his autograph on Huddersfield railway station in 1964 on our way to a match.

BBC Radio Merseyside are having a tribute to Keith Macklin on Wednesday evening at 7.15pm.
It will include an interview with him dome last year following the publication of his autobiography "A Two Horse Town".

I must have read that book cover to cover six times as a new fan of the game in the 1980s - a great read.

Sad news indeed.

Thats correct. From what I read he was with the BBC Presenting "Look North" in the 60s and worked for Yorkshire TV on both Rugby League and Football in the 70s before moving to BBC Radio Merseyside doing a Sunday Afternoon Rugby League Round up programme in the late 70s. Then Rugby League for Granada in the 80s as well launching what has become Rock FM during that time. I'm too young for all that but in the 90s it was a joy to listen to him do football and the odd Wigan Rugby match on Red Rose Gold which I used to listen using the "local channel" on the old Cable North West which was fitted in when Sky started rugby league in the early 90s lol.