Today programme's James Naughtie and others from the station praise 48-year-old colleague, who has died of cancer
BBC Radio 4's Today programme has paid tribute to one of its newsreaders, Rory Morrison, who has died aged 48 of a rare form of cancer.
Today's James Naughtie presented an affectionate tribute to Morrison on Wednesday's show, describing him as "one of Radio 4's best-loved newsreaders ... with whom we spent so many happy times in this studio".
"Like all Radio 4 newsreaders Rory used to read the newspaper review on this programme and his colleagues in the newsroom were quite often amazed at his ability keep a straight face," Naughtie added.
This was followed by audio of Morrison describing newspapers' "generous coverage" of Boris Becker's "no holds barred account" of his brief liaison with a Russian model in the cupboard of a London restaurant.
Morrison joined the BBC in 1990, first working in local radio before moving on to become a Radio 4 newsreader and continuity announcer. He was also a regular on Radio 4's News Quiz.
His wife, BBC journalist Nikki Jenkins, said on Twitter: "Until death parts us. Today I have lost my beloved Rory. No words express the anguish I feel so forgive my silence from now."
The Radio 4 controller, Gwyneth Williams, said Morrison was "at the heart" of the station for years and praised his "intelligence, integrity and complete professionalism".
She said: "As a continuity announcer and a newsreader, he was admired for the warmth of his voice, his clarity and his perfect timing. He was loved by all who knew him. We offer our deep sympathy to his family in their loss."
Among the friends and colleagues who paid tribute were broadcaster and presenter Clare Balding, who wrote: "The world has lost another kind, great man today. He didn't make headlines, he read them."
Father-of-two Morrison used Twitter to disclose details about his struggle with cancer.
On 9 May he wrote: "2 weeks on after my stem cell transplant and I have today bought a frivolous new car and got cracking tickets for ladies' final at Wimbledon!"
Three days earlier, following the operation, he wrote: "Wow! Not only has my transplant worked but I've just woken to all your lovely messages. Thank you so much."
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BBC Radio 4's Today programme has paid tribute to one of its newsreaders, Rory Morrison, who has died aged 48 of a rare form of cancer.
Today's James Naughtie presented an affectionate tribute to Morrison on Wednesday's show, describing him as "one of Radio 4's best-loved newsreaders ... with whom we spent so many happy times in this studio".
"Like all Radio 4 newsreaders Rory used to read the newspaper review on this programme and his colleagues in the newsroom were quite often amazed at his ability keep a straight face," Naughtie added.
This was followed by audio of Morrison describing newspapers' "generous coverage" of Boris Becker's "no holds barred account" of his brief liaison with a Russian model in the cupboard of a London restaurant.
Morrison joined the BBC in 1990, first working in local radio before moving on to become a Radio 4 newsreader and continuity announcer. He was also a regular on Radio 4's News Quiz.
His wife, BBC journalist Nikki Jenkins, said on Twitter: "Until death parts us. Today I have lost my beloved Rory. No words express the anguish I feel so forgive my silence from now."
The Radio 4 controller, Gwyneth Williams, said Morrison was "at the heart" of the station for years and praised his "intelligence, integrity and complete professionalism".
She said: "As a continuity announcer and a newsreader, he was admired for the warmth of his voice, his clarity and his perfect timing. He was loved by all who knew him. We offer our deep sympathy to his family in their loss."
Among the friends and colleagues who paid tribute were broadcaster and presenter Clare Balding, who wrote: "The world has lost another kind, great man today. He didn't make headlines, he read them."
Father-of-two Morrison used Twitter to disclose details about his struggle with cancer.
On 9 May he wrote: "2 weeks on after my stem cell transplant and I have today bought a frivolous new car and got cracking tickets for ladies' final at Wimbledon!"
Three days earlier, following the operation, he wrote: "Wow! Not only has my transplant worked but I've just woken to all your lovely messages. Thank you so much."
• To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email media@guardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".
• To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook Reported by guardian.co.uk 11 hours ago.