Newstalk ZB radio host Bruce Russell dies suddenly
Radio host Bruce Russell is being remembered as a talented newsreader with an ‘‘inimitable personality’’.
Stuff understands Russell died while at work at the Newstalk ZB central Auckland offices on Sunday night, before he was due to begin his shift on-air.
Newstalk ZB confirmed his death in a statement yesterday.
‘‘Bruce Russell, one of our longtime Newstalk ZB hosts, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully last night,’’ the statement said.
‘‘Bruce was a wonderful team member and a talented host and newsreader who brought joy to our audiences for many years.
‘‘The conversations he had on-air brought him loyalty from listeners young and old both throughout the night and on his Saturday night show.
‘‘His inimitable personality in the newsroom and in the studio would always entertain his colleagues too.
‘‘Our thoughts and love are with Bruce’s family at this sad time.’’
Producer Tim Evans, who worked with Russell between 2007 and 2011, said on Twitter there was ‘‘never a dull moment with Bruce’’.
Sports broadcaster Miles Davis also paid tribute to his ‘‘one of a kind’’ former colleague.
‘‘I am devastated,’’ Miles wrote on Twitter. ‘‘Bruce was one of a kind and a colleague for over 20 years. Always made me laugh with his dry sense of humour and helped me a lot with his advice.
‘‘I shall miss him as will his audience. My thoughts with family. Rest easy my old friend.’’
Russell worked all over New Zealand throughout his broadcasting career. He got his start in the industry as an ad writer before gaining experience as an announcer, and later as a programmer in Timaru.
He eventually moved to Auckland where he started working overnight shifts. Russell went on to work as a weekend newsreader and also hosted the Saturday night show In My Day.