Les Murray (broadcaster)

Les James Murray AM (born László Ürge in Hungary, 1945) is an Australian football (soccer) broadcaster and analyst. He is the host of "The World Game" on SBS television. Murray is an Australian Living Treasure.

After emigrating to Australia from his place of birth, Hungary, in 1957, Murray's interest in football (which he characteristically refers to as "The World Game", a phrase which now is the title of SBS's The World Game) began after watching a replay of the 1960 European Cup Final.

Murray began work as a journalist in 1971, changing his name from his native Hungarian for commercial reasons. In between, he found time to perform as a singer in the Rubber Band musical group. He moved to Network Ten as a commentator in 1977, before moving to the multi-cultural network where he made a name for himself - SBS - in 1980.

Murray began at SBS as a subtitler in the Hungarian language, but soon turned to covering football. He has been the host for the SBS coverage of football including World Cups since 1986, as well as Australia's World Cup Qualifiers, most memorably in 1997, 2001 and 2005. He also anchors the SBS team covering friendlies and international tournaments in which junior and women's national teams are competing. He is a member of the Football Federation Australia - Football Hall of Fame as recognition for his contributions to the sport.

Murray has been host to several sports programs for SBS over the year, which includes On the Ball (1984 - 2000), The World Game (2001 - present) and Toyota World Sports (c. 1990 - 2006).

On June 1 2006, Murray published his autobiography, "By the Balls" (ISBN 1-74051-355-X)

Murray was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to Association football on June 12 2006 as part of the Queen's Birthday honours list.

In 1996, Murray became SBS's Sports Director, and in 2006, stepped down. He has decided to become an editorial supervisor for SBS instead, while his on-air role remain the same.

Trivia

*Les Murray appeared with the Australian alternative rock band TISM in their song "What Nationality Is Les Murray?". [cite web|url=http://www20.sbs.com.au/sport/index.php?pg=tm&id=1|title=SBS Sport - Les Murray|publisher=Special Broadcasting Service|accessdate=2006-12-11] Les can be seen on their video Gold! Gold!! Gold!!! accepting an ARIA Award on behalf of TISM for the album Machiavelli and the Four Seasons, on which the song appears.

*His friendship with Johnny Warren led to them both being recognised through their exceptional work to promote football.

*The SBS comedy/variety show "In Siberia Tonight" also regularly featured a segment with host Steve Abbott talking to Indira Naidoo at the "Les Murray Bar".

References

External links

* [http://wwiii.sbs.com.au/opinions/index.php3?ar=22 Les Murray's football column archives at The World Game website]
* [http://www.randomhouse.com.au/Authors/Default.aspx?Page=Author&ID=Murray,%20Les Les Murray at Random House Australia]
* [http://www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/stories/2006/1659501.htm From Hungary to Australia: Les Murray's Life] - interview with Murray by Richard Aedy on 12th June 2006 on ABC Radio National (available in streaming audio and MP3)