Veteran broadcaster Edward Stourton died at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with incurable prostate cancer, passing away surrounded by his family.
Stourton’s journalism career extended over more than four decades, encompassing a ten‑year tenure as presenter of Radio 4’s Today programme and regular appearances on flagship news slots such as BBC One’s One O’Clock News and The World at One.
In a 2023 memoir he revealed a prostate cancer diagnosis made in 2014, followed by initial treatment before the disease spread and became untreatable. Despite the prognosis, he remained professionally active until shortly before his death.
Colleagues praised his warm intelligence, wit and steadfast support, describing his dignity and courage throughout his illness as an inspiration to all who knew him.
The controller of Radio 4 called him an absolutely outstanding broadcaster, noting that his presence on air helped listeners understand complex issues more clearly.
A former producer recalled Stourton’s unflappable demeanor from his time as a diplomatic editor and later as an analyst of major events, highlighting his rare ability to excel across multiple news formats.
He is survived by his wife Fiona, a senior television producer, their two sons, a daughter and a stepdaughter.
