Michael Barton, the first managing editor of BBC Radio Sheffield, has died aged 94 following a fall outside his home in London.
Growing up near Hull during the Second World War, Michael developed a lifelong interest in radio, despite being told early in his career that his Yorkshire accent would limit his prospects at the BBC.
In 1967, he was appointed to lead BBC Radio Sheffield, only the second station in the BBC’s new local radio network. The station became a testing ground for new ideas in local programming, including education, drama and specialist music shows.
Michael remained in Sheffield until 1972 before going on to spend 13 years as controller of BBC Local Radio, overseeing the expansion of the network across England.
Tributes have described him as a pioneer who helped establish the sound and purpose of local radio beyond London voices.