BBC broadcaster Edward Stourton dies aged 68

The BBC has announced the death of broadcaster and journalist Edward Stourton at the age of 68. He was best known as the host of several current affairs programmes on BBC Radio 4, including 'Today', 'World At One' and the religious and ethical series 'Sunday'. Stourton died on Saturday surrounded by his family after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014.

Jonathan Munro, interim chief executive of BBC News and Current Affairs, paid tribute, calling Stourton unflappable. Munro recalled working as his producer when Stourton was ITN's diplomatic editor, and later listening to his analysis of the new pope for the BBC. "Not many broadcasters can present 'Today', BBC One's 'One O'Clock News', 'The World at One' and 'Sunday' – but he did. He leaves a huge gap," Munro said.

Mohit Bakaya, controller of BBC Radio 4, described Stourton as an outstanding broadcaster who brought intelligence, authority and an extraordinary hinterland to everything he did. "When Ed was behind the mic, you felt you understood the world that little bit better. Our thoughts are with his family and friends," Bakaya added.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Stourton was a founding member of the Channel 4 news team in 1982. He started as a scriptwriter, later became a foreign correspondent and Washington correspondent, covering the final years of the Reagan presidency. He joined the BBC in 1988, returned to ITN as diplomatic editor two years later, reporting from Baghdad during the Gulf War, Sarajevo during the siege and Moscow in the final days of the Soviet Union. He returned to the BBC in 1993, fronting 'One O'Clock News' for six years and hosting 'Call Ed Stourton' on Radio 4. He joined the 'Today' programme in 1999, presenting it for a decade, and later became a regular contributor.

Stourton also worked as BBC Two's world affairs correspondent, presented editions of 'Panorama', and hosted numerous Radio 4 programmes including 'The World At One', 'The World This Weekend' and 'Analysis'. Alongside his four-decade broadcasting career, he authored several books, including 2013's 'Cruel Crossing: Escaping Hitler Across the Pyrenees' and his 2023 memoir 'Confessions', in which he revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis. His latest book, 'Made in America' (2025), explores US history and the era of Donald Trump. Stourton is survived by his wife Fiona and four children.