Edward Stourton, the broadcaster and journalist known for his authoritative and unflappable voice on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, has died aged 68 of prostate cancer.
For many listeners, Stourton epitomised what they valued most about the BBC. His voice was unmistakably posh and stately; his interviews courteous but incisive; and his knowledge unimpeachable.
Sacking from Today programme
In 2008, Stourton was effectively sacked from presenting Today, causing a backlash from newspapers and devoted listeners. The corporation's brusque handling of his contract ending added to the uproar; he learned of it when a Daily Mail journalist rang to ask if it was true.
The perception that his dismissal was due to his patrician manner, borne out by a programme editor's assertion that "he does not make your pulse race", caused the outrage. Many listeners did not want their pulses set racing. The network hierarchy was taken aback when he refused to shake hands with the manager who delivered the news.
Early life and education
Stourton was born in Lagos, Nigeria, the eldest of four children of Nigel Stourton, an executive with British American Tobacco, and his wife Jenny. He was educated at Catholic boarding schools, including Ampleforth, where he became head boy and played rugby. He studied English at Trinity College, Cambridge, became president of the union debating society, and made lifelong friends including Charles Moore, Nicholas Coleridge, Oliver Letwin and Andrew Mitchell.
Career in broadcasting
Initially turned down by the BBC, Stourton joined ITN as a news trainee. He was a founder member of Channel 4 News in 1982, becoming its first Washington correspondent in 1986. He then moved to BBC TV as Paris correspondent, later returning to ITN as diplomatic editor before rejoining the BBC as presenter of the One O'clock News.
He joined the Today programme in 1999, initially for 50 shows a year, later reaching more than 110. His style was genial but, as he said, "you don't spend 10 years on the Today programme without a measure of monsterishness". One editor, Rod Liddle, wrote that on air he was "possessed of a courtly and disarming interviewing manner from which occasionally a cunning stiletto would emerge".
Personal life and faith
Stourton married Margaret McEwen in 1980; they divorced after he fell in love with producer Fiona Murch, whom he married in 2002. His remarriage meant he was no longer allowed to receive communion at mass. He remained a Catholic, though non-practising, writing: "I cannot quite shake off the idea that life is a journey with a moral destination."
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 and spoke regularly about the illness. He is survived by Fiona, his three children from his first marriage, Ivo, Eleanor and Tom, and a stepdaughter, Rosie.
