When you think of Yorkshire broadcasting, few names shine as brightly as Christa Ackroyd. Her career spans over four decades, marked by groundbreaking achievements, personal challenges, and an unwavering commitment to telling the stories that matter most to the people of Yorkshire.
Early Beginnings in West Yorkshire
Born in May 1957 in Eccleshill, part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, Christa Ackroyd grew up in a household that valued service and hard work. Her father worked as a policeman, instilling in her a sense of duty and integrity that would later define her journalistic approach. She attended Hanson Girls’ Grammar School, now known as Hanson Academy, from 1968 onwards.
Rather than following the traditional university route, young Christa made a bold decision that would shape her entire career. She left school to pursue a journalism apprenticeship, recognizing that hands-on experience would serve her better than classroom theory. This choice led her to spend four formative years at the Halifax Courier, where she learned the fundamentals of print journalism and developed the rigorous reporting skills that would become her trademark.
Breaking Barriers in Radio Broadcasting
The Pennine Radio Years
Christa Ackroyd’s move into radio broadcasting came in the late 1970s when she joined Pennine Radio in Bradford. This period proved pivotal, as she led the station’s coverage of one of Britain’s most notorious criminal investigations—the Yorkshire Ripper case. Her fearless reporting during this dark chapter established her reputation as a journalist willing to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and thoroughness.
Making History at Radio Aire
In 1981, Christa Ackroyd joined Radio Aire in Leeds, where she would make broadcasting history. She had the honor of reading the very first news bulletin on the station’s opening day. But her achievements didn’t stop there. In November 1982, she became the United Kingdom’s first female radio news editor—a groundbreaking accomplishment that shattered gender barriers in an industry dominated by men. Not only was she the first woman to hold this position, but she was also the youngest person ever appointed to such a role.
Her success continued as she climbed to the position of programme controller at Radio Aire, where she remained until 1990. These years established her as a formidable force in regional broadcasting.
Television Career: Bringing News to Yorkshire Homes
Yorkshire Television’s Calendar Programme
In 1990, Christa Ackroyd transitioned to television, joining Yorkshire Television as a co-anchor on their flagship news programme, Calendar. Working alongside Richard Whiteley and later Mike Morris, she became a familiar face in households across the region. For over a decade, she covered Yorkshire news with the same dedication and fearless questioning that had characterized her radio work.
The BBC Look North Era
The year 2001 marked another significant chapter when Christa Ackroyd moved to BBC Look North. Co-presenting with Harry Gration, she became one of the most recognizable voices in regional television. Her salary reportedly reached around £150,000 per year, reflecting her status as a leading regional broadcaster.
What set her apart during these years was her willingness to ask the difficult questions that others might avoid. She approached every interview with thorough preparation and a commitment to holding power to account, whether interviewing local politicians or business leaders. Her final broadcast for BBC Look North aired on March 1, 2013, closing a chapter that had lasted more than a decade.
A Multifaceted Media Presence
While building her television career, Christa Ackroyd also maintained a parallel presence in print journalism. She wrote a weekly column for the Sunday Express, covering social issues, Yorkshire life, and regional advocacy. In 2004, when the BBC requested that she give up this column due to impartiality concerns, she refused. This principled stand demonstrated her belief in journalistic independence, though she eventually resigned from the Sunday Express in January 2007.
She later became a regular columnist for the Yorkshire Post, where she continues to write about the issues closest to her heart—from Northern England’s economic struggles to class divisions and women’s achievements.
The Tax Controversy That Shook Her World
Understanding the Contract Structure
During her time at BBC Look North, Christa Ackroyd was paid through a personal services company called Christa Ackroyd Media Ltd. This arrangement wasn’t her choice—the BBC required this structure for her employment, a practice common among many BBC presenters at the time.
The Sudden Dismissal
In July 2013, the BBC terminated her contract, citing “breach of contract” without providing compensation or clear explanations. This abrupt ending to her BBC career left her professionally devastated and uncertain about her future.
HMRC’s IR35 Investigation
The situation worsened when Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs launched an investigation into her tax affairs. The initial tax bill was stated as £419,151 for the years 2006-07 to 2012-13, though the actual amount owed was roughly half that after accounting for taxes she had already paid.
In February 2018, the First Tier Tribunal ruled against her in what became the first IR35 case HMRC had won in seven years. However, the judge made clear that Christa Ackroyd had acted honestly, done nothing wrong, and had been encouraged by the BBC to use this payment structure.
BBC’s Eventual Responsibility
Justice eventually arrived in 2019 when Director General Lord Hall issued a public apology to presenters caught in similar situations. The BBC took full responsibility for the personal services contracts they had required and compensated Christa Ackroyd and others for their tax bills. Approximately 200 BBC staff members had been investigated, with most eventually being made employees.
The Personal Toll
The five years of litigation took an enormous emotional toll. In a 2025 podcast, Christa Ackroyd spoke publicly about the mental health impact, describing the experience as devastating and admitting there were times she “wanted to die.” Despite being exonerated by the judge, she felt “professionally cancelled” and was labeled a “tax cheat” by some sections of the media and public. Throughout this ordeal, she maintained her innocence, knowing she had followed the BBC’s requirements.
Reinventing Her Career
Freelance Journalism
Rather than letting controversy define her legacy, Christa Ackroyd rebuilt her career as a freelance journalist and broadcaster. She continued her regular column for the Yorkshire Post and sought out new opportunities to tell Yorkshire stories.
Channel 5’s Our Great Yorkshire Life
In 2022, she became a regular contributor to Channel 5’s 20-part series “Our Great Yorkshire Life.” Hosting short films, she traveled across the region, meeting fascinating people and visiting iconic locations like Saltaire, Haworth, and York Minster. This role allowed her to return to what she loves most—celebrating Yorkshire’s heritage and its people.
She has also taken on minor television drama roles, public speaking engagements, and continues to advocate for regional journalism and Yorkshire issues.
Personal Life: Christa Ackroyd Husband and Family
In 1982, Christa Ackroyd married Chris Sutcliffe in Halifax. Christa Ackroyd husband, Chris Sutcliffe, has been her partner through both the triumphs and challenges of her remarkable career. Together, they have three children and have built their life in Stainland, near Halifax in West Yorkshire.
One of their daughters emigrated to Australia, though as of 2024, she was returning to be closer to family. Christa has spoken warmly about the joys and challenges of family life, particularly as her children have grown and as she and her husband navigate their later years together.
Christa Ackroyd B&B and Current Ventures
In recent years, there has been interest in Christa Ackroyd B&B ventures, reflecting her continued connection to Yorkshire’s hospitality and tourism sector. While specific details about christa ackroyd b&b operations vary, her involvement demonstrates her ongoing commitment to promoting Yorkshire as a destination and supporting the regional economy.
Recognition and Legacy
Christa Ackroyd’s contributions to journalism haven’t gone unrecognized. She received an honorary degree from the University of Bradford, acknowledging her impact on regional broadcasting and her role as a pioneer for women in media.
Her legacy includes:
- Being the first female radio news editor in the UK
- Over 40 years of journalism dedicated to Yorkshire stories
- Mentoring younger journalists, particularly women entering broadcasting
- Standing as a symbol of resilience through the BBC contracting controversy
- Maintaining a strong social media presence with 11.7K followers on X (formerly Twitter)
Journalism Philosophy: Telling Other People’s Stories
Throughout her career, Christa Ackroyd has focused on what she calls “telling other people’s stories.” Her Yorkshire-centric perspective has never been about parochialism but rather about giving voice to communities often overlooked by national media. She has covered everything from economic struggles in post-industrial towns to celebrating the region’s cultural achievements.
Her journalism style combines fearless questioning with empathy and thorough preparation. Whether interviewing a local entrepreneur or a government minister, she brings the same level of preparation and commitment to uncovering the truth.
Current Status and Continued Impact
Today, Christa Ackroyd remains an active freelance journalist and broadcaster. She continues writing columns, making television appearances, and advocating for journalism standards and regional voices. Her story serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale—showing the heights one can achieve through talent and determination, while also revealing the vulnerabilities faced by freelance broadcasters in complex contracting arrangements.
Final Thoughts
Christa Ackroyd’s journey from a policeman’s daughter in Eccleshill to becoming Yorkshire’s most recognizable broadcast journalist is remarkable by any measure. Her pioneering achievements opened doors for countless women in broadcasting. Her resilience through personal and professional challenges demonstrates strength of character. And her unwavering commitment to Yorkshire and its people shows where her heart has always been.
Whether you remember her from Yorkshire Television’s Calendar, BBC Look North, or her current work with Channel 5, Christa Ackroyd represents the best of regional journalism—fearless, fair, and forever focused on the communities she serves.
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