BBC mistakenly reports DJ Matthew’s death

WHEN the BBC announced the death of much-loved Radio 2 DJ Brian Matthew yesterday, it was sad news for his devoted listeners.

Tributes to the Sounds of the 60s presenter were led by the directorgeneral, Lord Hall of Birkenhead, who said: “Brian was a true broadcasting great. We will all miss him.”

The announcement was made shortly after noon. Two hours later, however, came a follow-up: Matthew had not died and the BBC was retracting its earlier statement.

Confusion reigned and colleagues who had expressed their condolences on air, including Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine, had to inform listeners that the 88-yearold was still alive but “critically ill”.

The family had mistakenly believed Matthew to have passed away in hospital overnight and had asked the corporation to release a statement on their behalf. However, the mistake could not have been more awkward for the BBC, because Matthew’s departure from Radio 2 earlier this year was mired in controversy.

Matthew took a leave of absence over Christmas, after suffering a fall at home. He hoped to return to the airwaves, but the BBC announced in January that he would not be back due to ill-health. Tony Blackburn was appointed as his replacement.

Matthew was stung by the news and insisted the idea that he was too ill to host the Saturday morning show was “absolute balderdash”.

Fans (regular listeners were nicknamed “avids”) contacted Radio 2 in their droves to complain, and thousands added their name to a petition calling for his reinstatement.

He hosted his final show in February, signing off with Last

Night ht Was Made for Love by Billy Fury. “I must say I’ve enjoyed every minute of my 27 years in this chair,” he told listeners. “I’m saddened to leave but I’ll be back on Radio 2 in the near future with something new, so keep your eyes open for further information. This is your old mate Brian Matthew saying that’s your lot for this week, see you again soon.” Matthew, left, started presenting the series in 1990 and won legions of fans for his in-depth knowledge of the music of the Sixties. The programme had more than three million listeners every week and Matthew won a Sony Gold award in 2008 in recognition of his outstanding career. In October last year he became the oldest regular broadcaster on BBC radio.

When his death was mistakenly announced, Radio 2 played Matthew’s

Sounds of the 60s signature tune, Foot Tapper by The Shadows. The BBC also announced a tribute programme by the station’s former controller, Jim Moir.

A BBC spokesman said: “We were informed by close family and friends that Brian had passed away in the night. They have since been in contact to say that he remains critically ill. Our thoughts remain with his family at this very difficult time.”