Bob Atkins

I will not be blogging today as a mark of respect for Bob Atkins, Director of the Diploma in Broadcast Journalism at Cardiff University, who died last week. His funeral will be held today at Thornhill Crematorium.

Bob was probably the best broadcast journalism trainer in the UK for the past fifteen years and I feel greatly privileged to be among the last few to learn from him.

Before that, Bob was editor at Radio Wales and an executive producer at the BBC World Service.

There's hardly a newsroom in the country that doesn't have someone fed and nurtured on the Atkins diet. He was a stickler for accuracy and good writing above all else, and I'll always value the advice he has given me over the last year.

I still can't believe he's gone. He was a funny, kind and inspirational character whose dedication to his students was so great he'd even listen again to our breakfast shows in the bath at home.

Journalism won't be the same without him.

Cheers, Bob.

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posted by Blamerbell @ 2:39 am,

5 Comments:

At 2:53 am, Blogger Damon Lord said...

My condolences and sympathies to his family and friends at this time.

 
At 8:27 am, Blogger Marcusian said...

He was a truly a gent in the little dealings i had with him...

Rest in Peace Bob

 
At 2:39 pm, Blogger Petha' Bach ... said...

Diolch Bob - He will be sadly missed.

 
At 5:32 pm, Blogger Clear Red Water said...

I dont know the guy but he obviously helped nuture many great journalists. Including Huw Lewis who has just paid tribute to him.

 
At 9:31 pm, Blogger David Williamson said...

This is tremendously sad. He was a warm and humane broadcaster with an absolute passion for his craft and his students. He will really be missed.

 

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