Tributes paid to ‘towering figure’ John Myers following death aged 60

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Tributes have been paid to leading radio executive and broadcaster John Myers, who has died at the age of 60.

The former BBC Radio Cumbria and Border TV presenter’s death was announced by his son on social media yesterday. Myers was born in Carlisle and became a leading figure in the radio industry, setting up stations, advising the government and winning awards.

He started his career with BBC Radio Cumbria in 1980 and presented for other stations including BBC Radio Tees. After working for Border TV, Myers went on to launch commercial radio station CFM in Carlisle and then Century Radio in the North East.

In 2009, he was chosen by the government to produce a review of the UK’s local radio industry and later undertook a review of the BBC’s music and local radio operations. Recently he was a visiting professor at the University of Sunderland and University of Cumbria and lived in Newcastle.

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Paying tribute to him on Twitter, BBC presenter Jeremy Vine described Myers as one of the “friendliest, funniest people in the radio industry” with a “deep passion” for the medium.

“Above all he was kind and thoughtful,” Vine added. “It is impossible to describe John in a way that captures even 5% of his greatness.”

Helen Thomas, Director of BBC England, said: “John was a towering figure in the UK radio industry. He achieved a great deal and did it all with a sense of fun. He had an enduring enthusiasm and passion for radio and in particular local radio.

“He understood the power of local stations to bring people together and connect communities. My thoughts are with John’s family at this very sad time. He will be missed by his many friends in BBC Local Radio.” 

Myers was treated for cancer in 2018 and revealed he had been given the all-clear later in the year. In a statement on social media yesterday, his son Scott said the family was “heartbroken”.

“He went through life with a smile, his glass was always half full and no matter how much life got you down he always found the humour,” he added. “We hope your memories are filled with as much joy as ours”.


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