BBC Radio 4 presenter Edward Stourton dies aged 68

Journalist Edward Stourton, best known for presenting Radio 4’s Today programme, has died aged 68.

The broadcaster passed away on Saturday surrounded by his family, having previously announced he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the BBC has confirmed. 

Edward presented a number of programmes on BBC Radio 4, including Today, World At One and its religious and ethical current affairs series, Sunday.

Jonathan Munro, interim chief executive of BBC News and current affairs, said in a statement: “It’s far too soon to lose Ed. I worked as his producer when he was ITN’s diplomatic editor – unflappable then and ever after.

“Many years later, I was listening to his superb analysis of the new Pope for the BBC – another of his many areas of expertise.

“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.”

Meanwhile, controller of BBC Radio 4,Mohit Bakaya, described Edward as an “absolutely outstanding broadcaster”.

“He brought intelligence, authority and an extraordinary hinterland to everything he did,” said Mohit.

“When Ed was behind the mic, whether on Sunday or the various news programmes he regularly presented for Radio 4, you felt you understood the world that little bit better.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Edward Stourton’s career

Born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1957, Edward began his career as a scriptwriter before covering foreign news at Channel 4, where he was one of the founding members of the news team. 

He also became the broadcaster’s Washington correspondent, where he reported on the final years of the Reagan presidency.

© Jeff Overs/BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images

In 1988, Edward joined the BBC but returned to ITV after two years to become diplomatic editor, reporting on significant world events, including the Gulf War in Baghdad and the final days of the Soviet Union in Moscow. 

He returned to the BBC in 1993 and fronted the One O’Clock News for six years and also presented his own Radio 4 programme, Call Ed Stourton.

Edward joined the Today programme in 1999, fronting the programme for a decade before becoming a regular contributor. 

He also presented other Radio 4 programmes, including The World At One, The World This Weekend and Analysis, and worked as BBC Two’s world affairs strand correspondent. 

Away from his broadcasting career, Edward released a number of books, including Cruel Crossing in 2013 and his  2023 memoir Confession.

Edward is survived by his wife Fiona and his four children.