TV presenter Nick Owen paid tribute to “perfect TV broadcaster” and former Sky newsreader Dermot Murnaghan, following his death aged 68. The 78-year-old, known for presenting BBC Midlands Today, also described Murnaghan’s death as a “perfect example” of prostate cancer being caught too late.
Murnaghan's Death and Cancer Battle
The veteran broadcaster died on Saturday morning “following a period of illness with prostate cancer”, having first announced his stage four diagnosis in 2025. Owen, who was himself diagnosed with the disease in 2023, said he “really respected and admired” Murnaghan while appearing on BBC Breakfast on Sunday.
“He had enormous warmth, which I think is absolutely crucial for a broadcaster to connect with an audience. He had this ability to connect with an audience as opposed to just reading things out or saying things. It’s actually connecting with each individual wherever they are in the country, or the world – he had that ability,” Owen said.
Owen's Tribute to Murnaghan's Skills
“He was always across his brief. When he was interviewing people, he really knew his stuff. He didn’t let them get away with it. He was forensic, but not over aggressive. He was subtle. He was just a perfect TV broadcaster, as far as I’m concerned,” Owen added.
Murnaghan was best known for his 15-year tenure as a lead anchor on Sky News, and he presented news bulletins for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 during his decades-long career. He also hosted BBC quiz show Eggheads for 11 years.
Owen's Advocacy and Personal Experience
Since his own diagnosis, Owen has become a vocal advocate and campaigner raising awareness about the disease, as Murnaghan did when he found out he had the condition. He told BBC Breakfast that it was “absolutely vital” for men, particularly black men and those aged over 40 who had heightened risks, to “keep tabs” on their health.
Owen said: “I’m afraid Dermot is a perfect example that it was caught too late. If you catch it early, something can be done. It’s absolutely critical that people get in the system and be aware of this.”
Owen announced his prostate cancer diagnosis and discussed his experiences on BBC Midlands Today and BBC Breakfast in August 2023. At the time of his diagnosis, he said he had “no symptoms at all” and encouraged other men to get tested for the disease.
Owen's Career and Honours
During his lengthy career, Owen has worked for broadcasters such as ITV on programmes including Good Morning Britain, Good Morning With Anne And Nick and ITV Sport. The veteran newsreader has been one of the lead presenters of BBC’s regional news show Midlands Today since 1997. He was also made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024, for his services to charity and broadcasting.
