Sky News halted its regular programming to deliver the sad news of Rod Liddle's passing. Presenter Jayne Secker told viewers that the columnist for The Sunday Times and The Sun had died at the age of 66.
Secker announced: "A bit of news coming to us from the Press Association. They're reporting that News UK have announced the death of The Sunday Times and Sun columnist Rod Liddle. He was just 66. He died after a short illness, according to News UK. He was a columnist on The Sunday Times, wrote columns in The Times as well."
Career highlights and family tribute
Secker noted Liddle's prominence as editor of BBC Radio 4's Today programme in 1998, adding that he went on to have "a long, distinguished journalist career." He also presented on Times Radio.
Later in the programme, Secker read a statement from Liddle's three children, Wilder, Tyler, and Emmy. They expressed: "We're all very saddened and shocked at the sudden passing of our wonderful father. He raised us much as you might imagine, to be inquisitive, brave and always humourous. Even in hospital in the last few weeks, he constantly held the room and never let the awful situation show. He has left a legacy that we are all incredibly proud of. He will always be our guide on how to live an extraordinary life."
Tributes from News UK CEO
Secker also shared a tribute from Rebekah Brooks, CEO of News UK, who called Liddle "an inimitable journalistic force." Brooks said: "Everyone at News UK is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of Rod Liddle. Rod was an inimitable journalistic force, brilliant, provocative, and immensely talented, who's sharp wit and uncompromising voice graced our pages and airwaves for a decade." She added that he "challenged conventional thinking and left an indelible mark on British journalism."
Other roles and contributions
Liddle had been a regular contributor on Sky News earlier in the year, appearing on The Wrap. He was associate editor at The Spectator and edited the Today programme from 1998 to 2003. He also authored books including Too Beautiful for You and The Best of Liddle Britain, and presented BBC Two's Weekend and BBC Four's The Talk Show.
