Radio executive and pioneer Paul Chantler has sadly died after a very short illness.
Paul was 64 and died in Eastbourne General Hospital this afternoon, Easter Sunday, having been admitted last week with breathing difficulties. He had recently been diagnosed with liver cancer.
He was looked after by Jenny, Dana and Holly from the Critical Care Unit who treated him with such love, care and respect.
He was one of radio’s most respected and popular characters, and co-author of many books and guides for radio people.
An influential player in UK commercial radio’s growth decades of the 80s, 90s and 00s, Paul held senior programming roles at Chiltern Radio, Essex Radio and Wireless Group.
He also worked at the BBC, Southern Sound, Invicta, and started his love for radio at Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells in 1971.
In his character black shirt, Paul lit up any room he walked into. Charming, clever and able, he latterly took to being an investor in start up stations and was very proud of his investments and directorships an Fix Radio and Podcast Radio.
Paul also co-wrote one of the Industry’s ‘go-to’ guides to libel and defamation, Essential Media Law, with Paul Hollins and was proud to have its latest edition’s preface written by LBC’s Nick Ferrari.
Paul had recently decided on a change of life and moved to a new apartment in Eastbourne.
He lived for radio, and was made a Radio Academy Fellow in recent years. He loved everything about the industry, from starting and running radio stations, to offering advice and consultancy, even appearing in a television programme about radio.
He was a friend to everyone who had the pleasure to meet him. He was an early supporter of this very site, being the first “site sponsor” under his company, United Radio, and continued to contribute articles and interviews.
We will miss him dearly. Who will tell us which swear words we can and can’t use on the radio now?
Colleagues and friends from the radio industry have been sharing their shock at the sad news, and we’ve included just some below.
His Podcast Radio colleague and friend Gerry Edwards wrote: “Paul’s zest for exploring new and bold ideas transformed the landscape of radio in the UK and afar. He has left an indelible mark on the entire broadcasting industry. He will be profoundly missed, whilst his visionary legacy will continue to inspire.”
His co-author Paul Hollins wrote: “Deeply saddened to share the news that my friend and co-author Paul Chantler has passed away after a short illness. Rest easy Paul and thanks for everything. x.”
Jason Bryant, from Nation, writes: “Paul was a brilliant programmer, good friend and formidable lunch date. Though he loved the high life, best restaurants and travelling the world, Paul understood what the mass market wanted from their radio stations.
“Throughout his career, in music, news and talk, Paul had many successes. He loved creating great radio, coaching on-air talent and helped so many people to reach their potential. Paul, you leave a great legacy – I will miss you, our chats and our lunches and I have no doubt the next part of your journey will be in First Class.”
David Lloyd paid tribute: “Paul was a real part of our industry. Always smiling. Always encouraging. Always thoughtful. He lived through commercial radio’s challenges and helped to find solutions for its victories. I shall miss his quiet support.”
Kevin and Vikki Stewart writes: “Paul’s passion and love of radio was matched by his affection for his beloved Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. He was an expert on both. A good friend to us for so many years he will be missed by us and all in radio who had the good fortune to work with him.”
Neil Greenslade, group PD at Nation Broadcasting said: “I want to thank Paul for his belief in me as both a presenter and programmer when I started my life in radio.
But more importantly the fun trips away… something as we all know Paul loved very much.
“Thank you for the good times.”
Keri Jones pays tribute: “I know many people won’t believe what they have read. And I can’t believe that Paul has gone.
“Although he spent most of his career away from the mic, Paul’s loss to our industry is immense, and a few paragraphs can’t do his contribution justice. Hundreds of people owe their careers and success to Paul’s coaching and guidance.
“Paul intuitively understood great radio, regardless of the format—dance at Galaxy or Vibe, Christian at Premier, or oldies at Supergold. He got people. And Paul knew what people wanted from information and entertainment. The two should not be mutually exclusive. He loved the US TV morning shows and encouraged us to embrace their relatability.
“Paul didn’t just excel as a presenter on Invicta and BBC Wiltshire; he made his most significant impact by recognising and developing newcomers’ talent and refining presenters’ on-air performance. TV viewers witnessed his motivational skills at Essex Radio in a fly-on-the-wall series. Thousands of listeners have learned how Paul brought out the best in his jocks at the Chiltern Network. As a presenters’ programme director, Paul worked closely with his team rather than isolating himself in an office. Accepting a reprimand from him was easy because you knew he was correct, and any tension was quickly dispelled—often over a quick pint at the pub. His passion for radio never waned; he continuously evolved, contributing to developing new formats. The successes of FixRadio and Podcast Radio stand as a testament to his keen eye for opportunity and exceptional execution of ideas. He was a one-off.
“This loss deeply affects our industry, but fortunately, his legacy endures through his excellent writing on broadcast law and journalism. It’s worth pondering how much Paul has saved broadcasters in legal costs over the years with his sage advice.
“It deeply saddens me that one of the radio greats has passed away. If, like the US presidents at Mount Rushmore, we were to immortalise UK radio icons in stone, I’d expect to see Paul, clad in his trademark black shirt, smiling down from the granite.
“I’m pleased that the Radio Academy recognised his contribution with a fellowship. It’s time for the sector to honour Paul with an annual award. His expertise extended to so many aspects of radio that I wouldn’t know which skill his award should recognise. But I know what he would want as the prize. Shelve the usual glass trophy. It must be a Shepherd’s pie and all the trimmings… at The Ivy.
“RIP, Paul, and thanks from the thousands of broadcasters you helped. I, for one, am eternally grateful.”
So sad to hear about my friend Paul Chantler passing. Alongside me, John Myers and Tom Hunter he was one of the four “big guys” who launched regional radio in the U.K. in 1994. One day the four of us did have to try and use the lift at Jazz FM in Castlereagh Street…..
— Phil Riley (@radioriley) March 31, 2024
I’m deeply saddened by the news of the passing of @paulchantler. I learned a lot from Paul during our time at Hallam FM and as a peer. Our industry has lost a giant, one of a kind, amazing person and I’m truly proud to have know him. Rest in peace Paul. You’ll be missed greatly. pic.twitter.com/cmTTC6LHHS
— Ricki Lee (@rickilee) March 31, 2024
This is beyond sad. He was always one of the industry’s good ones. Had so much respect for him and his achievements. Condolences to all who loved him.
— Neal Veglio (@realnealveglio) March 31, 2024
Nik this is sad sad news 🌈
— Lynn Parsons (@LynnParsonsUK) March 31, 2024
Sad to hear of the death of @PaulChantler. A huge champion of radio, a larger than life presence, who always had time for an encouraging and kind word for everyone. Hugely passionate about our industry and the go to media law expert, he’ll be greatly missed.
— Brett Spencer (@brettsr) March 31, 2024
Very sad to learn my ex Chiltern Radio Boss, Wireless Group PD has passed away. Paul was one of the nicest radio guys, always good fun, positive, and a font of knowledge RIP Chubbs #paulchantler #radio #chubbs pic.twitter.com/f1uld2rLut
— David (@davedjsherwood) March 31, 2024
So sad to hear of the passing of @PaulChantler – a truly lovely man whose passion for radio was endless. 😔
— Nik Goodman (@nikgoodman) March 31, 2024
RIP @PaulChantler. You ran some bloody good radio stations. And put a few presenters down to size…
— Robin Blamires (@RobinBlamires) March 31, 2024
Such sad news. @PaulChantler created the original Galaxy 101 and started many careers, his knowledge and passion for radio will be missed. RIP Paul x https://t.co/RS9N0w04ie
— Mike Cass (@MikeCassRadio) March 31, 2024
This is devastating news. He was a great champion of everything radio, a huge authority especially as far as media law and news delivery- and a really nice man.
— John Pickford (@johnpickford) March 31, 2024
Some terrible #radio news. My mentor & friend of many years, @PaulChantler passed away this afternoon.
A great bloke, perfect dining companion, fantastic with advice, even better with gossip & we laughed a lot.
Plus we both murdered Wichita Lineman at karaoke several times 💔 pic.twitter.com/yj5cQwsawv
— Catboy – Radio Bloke (@CatboyRadio) March 31, 2024
Deeply saddened to share the news that my friend and co-author @PaulChantler has passed away after a short illness. Rest easy Paul and thanks for everything. x
— Paul Hollins (@thepaulhollins) March 31, 2024
I’ve just learned of the incredibly sad news that my former radio colleague and good friend Paul Chantler has passed away. Paul and I worked at Invicta Radio when it launched in 1984. We met up last summer talking radio, radio and …radio. What a sad day. RIP Paul. pic.twitter.com/Ibmj9tXc1C
— Glen Thompsett (@glenthompsett) March 31, 2024
Heartbreaking to hear the news that my great friend @PaulChantler has passed away. I have countless happy memories in his company and we’ve shared many glasses of the finest fizz. Rest in peace Paul, I’m certain you’ll be travelling first class to heaven mate x
— Terry Underhill (@TerryUnderhill) March 31, 2024
Sad to hear @PaulChantler has passed. Paul was my boss at Chiltern & Northants. I was difficult & stupid at times but he was always forgiving & kind. We shared many laughs especially when 'anoraking'. Here I am misbehaving behind him circa 1990 with the Hot FM crowd. RIP Paul. pic.twitter.com/NUKK1cDCD2
— Carlos (@carlosradioguy) March 31, 2024
Sad to hear @PaulChantler has passed away, he has always supported me over the past decade online. I always loved seeing his passion for updates on the radio industry and his care for the industry
— Johnny Seifert (@JohnnySeifert) March 31, 2024
Such sad news about @PaulChantler a great boss and so passionate about radio. He loved ideas – I don’t think I’ve ever had mine so positively received. A brilliant character – lovely memories of dinners and mischievous work shenanigans. Thank you, Paul. pic.twitter.com/oYmWzIBGBH
— Colin Paterson (@colinpaterson78) March 31, 2024
Very sad to hear of the passing of @PaulChantler Radio has lost another magnificent servant. Fly well Paul.
— Russ Williams 🎙📻 (@Russw777) March 31, 2024
God bless @PaulChantler he’s the guy that tried to keep all us radio presenters out of trouble. RIP Paul 😞🙏xx pic.twitter.com/mSpCfFh7QD
— Simon jagger (@radiojagger) March 31, 2024
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