Tributes are being paid to Sussex-based presenter Chris Copsey who died unexpectedly earlier today.
Chris was a radio legend in the county, spending most of his career at Southern Sound (later Southern FM) before it changed to Heart and he joined a network of smaller local stations.
He has been working for Media Sound Holdings for the last 18 months, most recently on the breakfast show broadcast across the Splash, Bright, Arrow and Sovereign stations. He passed away suddenly, having presented his breakfast show as normal this morning (Tuesday).
Confirming the news on the Digital Spy forums, Pete McIntosh, Head Of Music at Media Sound Holdings said: "He really was a legend on the airwaves in Sussex, joining Southern Sound at launch back in 1983 and remained with the station in its various guises for over 20 years. He joined the Media Sound stations just over 18 months ago, initially presenting mid-mornings, and recently moving back to breakfast – the slot in which he made his name with Southern back in the 80s. He was a consummate professional, always paying attention to the slightest of details, always offering a kind and supportive word to his colleagues, and much loved by his listeners."
He added: "It's been a sad day and I know he will be greatly missed by many friends and colleagues. He was kind, witty, talented, and a devoted family man."
A tribute is already online on the Splash, Bright, Arrow and Sovereign websites, with formal online books of condolence due to open from 6am on Wednesday morning. Many people in the industry who knew 'Coppo' have already been leaving their tributes online.
Former colleague Nicky Keig-Shevlin wrote: "Coppo was a radio legend and it was an honour to co-host with him on the breakfast show at Southern FM for many, many years. More than that…he was a true gent, a brilliant friend – loyal, kind and funny. His wife and kids were his life and I cannot begin to imagine their pain. I send them my love and want them to know how loved Chris was. He will be so missed."
You can leave your tributes to Chris as a comment below this story or on our [link=http://www.facebook.com/radiotoday]Facebook wall[/link].
Posted on Tuesday, January 11th, 2011 at 11:14 pm by RadioToday UK