Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Rod Liddle, a well-known newspaper columnist and broadcaster, has passed away at the age of 66 following a brief illness. His children honored him as the guiding force behind their understanding of how to lead an extraordinary life. Rebekah Brooks, CEO of News UK, also paid tribute to Liddle, describing him as an unparalleled presence in journalism who consistently challenged traditional viewpoints and made a lasting impact on British media.
Liddle’s career included contributions as a columnist for both The Sun and The Sunday Times. He passed away at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough on Sunday evening. Among his many roles, he was once the editor of BBC Radio 4’s flagship programme, Today, and maintained a weekly column in the Spectator alongside hosting a show on Times Radio. His children, Wilder, Tyler, and Emmy, expressed their sorrow, highlighting their father’s bravery, inquisitiveness, and humor even during his final weeks in the hospital, noting that he never allowed the harshness of his condition to dominate his spirit.
Voices from the industry reflected on Liddle’s distinctive talent. Ben Taylor, editor of The Sunday Times, recalled how Liddle’s skillful writing resonated with readers by exposing the contradictions and absurdities of modern life, making his column a Sunday staple. Victoria Newton, editor-in-chief of The Sun, remembered him as a fearless and brilliant columnist who embraced press freedom and tackled any topic with sharp wit and intellect. She also celebrated his warmth and humor off the page, fondly recalling the lively gatherings where Liddle held court. Tim Levell, programme director of Times Radio, praised Liddle’s engaging presence on air, noting how his wit and unconventional views, combined with wide-ranging knowledge and comedic timing, enriched Saturday mornings for listeners.
While Liddle was a respected figure, his career was marked by controversy. He was the first journalist to have an online blog censured by the Press Complaints Commission (PCC). In 2010, the PCC upheld a complaint against him after he claimed on the Spectator’s website that the “overwhelming majority” of violent crime in London was committed by young Afro-Caribbean men. Liddle faced accusations of promoting misogynistic and racist views through some of his Spectator columns, though he maintained that his intention was to provoke debate or use satire. The magazine was prosecuted in 2012 for breaching a court order related to an article Liddle wrote about the Stephen Lawrence murder trial, resulting in fines and compensation payments. In 2019, he stirred further controversy by suggesting in his column that elections be scheduled during times when Muslims could not vote and by mocking former Labour MP Rosie Duffield regarding her experiences with domestic abuse
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.