Long-time broadcaster Edward Stourton who presented BBC Radio 4 dies aged 68

| Live News reporter Published July 20, 2026 8:46am Updated July 20, 2026 9:29am Edward Stourton was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 (Picture: Mike Lawn) Veteran broadcaster Edward Stourton has died at the age of 68 after living with incurable prostate cancer. The acclaimed journalist, whose career spanned more than four decades, died on Saturday surrounded by his family, the BBC confirmed. Stourton – who spent 10 years presenting Radio 4’s Today programme – revealed in his 2023 memoir Confessions that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2014. After initially undergoing treatment, he was later told that the disease had spread and become incurable. Despite his diagnosis, he continued working until very recently. Paying tribute to Stourton, his friend and former Today co-host James Naughtie praised his ‘warm intelligence and wit’, describing him as ‘one of the best colleagues’. ‘As a friend, he was always a rock of support and kindness. His dignity and courage through his illness were an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He was, simply, much-loved,’ he added. Stourton’s career in journalism spanned more than four decades (Picture: Monks/Daily Mail/Shutterstock) The broadcaster spent 10 years presenting Radio 4’s Today programme (Picture: Mark Thomas/Shutterstock) Radio 4 controller Mohit Bakaya also called him ‘an absolutely outstanding broadcaster’. He said: ‘When Ed was behind the mic, whether on Sunday or the various news programmes he regularly presented for Radio 4, you felt you understood the world that little bit better. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.’ Meanwhile, the BBC’s interim news chief Jonathan Munro said it was ‘far too soon to lose Ed’. ‘I worked as his producer when he was ITN’s diplomatic editor – unflappable then and ever after,’ he said. ‘Many years later, I was listening to his superb analysis of the new Pope for the BBC – another of his many areas of expertise. Not many broadcasters can present Today, BBC One’s One O’clock News, The World at One and Sunday – but he did. He leaves a huge gap.’ Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Stourton is survived by his wife Fiona, a senior television producer, their two sons, daughter and a stepdaughter. Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. Arrow MORE: World Cup commentator called out after mistaking Pharrell for A$AP Rocky Arrow MORE: BBC Radio 5 presenter Nicky Campbell forced to apologise after ‘repeatedly using homophobic slur’ Arrow MORE: Diane Morgan is a legend – so why is her new BBC comedy so frustrating