BBC WM is paying tribute to one of its most famous presenters today as Ed Doolan died this morning at the age of 76.
He has been on the regional radio scene since joining BRMB in 1974 before joining BBC WM in 1982.
Ed’s agent and manager, Paul Vaughan told the station that Ed slipped away peacefully in his sleep at home in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday 16th January. His wife Christine was with him.
Paul represented Ed since January 1978 – almost 40 years to the day of his passing, said: “We have lost a great champion and a truly skilled and popular broadcaster and newspaper columnist.”
In 2015, Ed – who has been a radio favourite in the West Midlands for over 40 years – told BBC WM listeners that he had been battling dementia for some time. Last year the BBC broadcast a documentary following Ed’s battle with dementia and showing how he continued to enjoy presenting his weekly Sunday show for BBC WM.
David Jennings Head of Local and Regional Programmes for BBC West Midlands said: “Ed was a broadcasting giant loved by generations of radio listeners in the West Midlands. On his daily show, he was the people’s champion – tireless in his pursuit of truth and fairness for all. Ed faced dementia with indomitable spirit and bravery, raising awareness of the condition and continuing to broadcast on BBC WM every week.
“His contribution to broadcasting is immense and will continue to inspire presenters across local radio now and in the future. All our thoughts are with Ed’s wife Chris and their family.”
Since giving up his daily show in 2012, Ed’s Sunday programme on BBC WM has remained a firm favourite with listeners, featuring star-name interviews from his extraordinary personal archives.
In 2004, Ed was the first BBC Local Radio presenter to be inducted into The Radio Academy’s Hall of Fame.
He was awarded the MBE for services to broadcasting and charity, he won a Sony Gold Award and was the first person to be awarded honorary doctorates by the University of Birmingham, the University of Aston and Birmingham City University.
BBC WM 95.6 is paying tribute to Ed Doolan across the schedule today including special programme in his honour 1700-1800.
Posted on Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 at 12:23 pm by RadioToday UK