‘Inspirational’ radio MD dies
A WELL-known city broadcaster who went on to launch the careers of Ross King, Bill Turnbull and Jackie Bird has died.
Alex Dickson, one of the central figures in the history of Radio Clyde, died following a battle with lung cancer.
He set up a training centre that helped kick-start many hundreds of careers and won a series of awards for the station as its head of programming.
AN “inspirational broadcaster” and one of the central figures in the history of Radio Clyde has died following a battle with lung cancer.
Alex Dickson joined the station when it launched in 1973 and worked in different roles before becoming its managing director in 1996.
During his time as Head of News he set up a training centre within Radio Clyde for journalists, helping to launch the careers of broadcasters including Jackie Bird, Ross King, Bill Turnbull and Paul Coia.
He went on to serve as Head of Programming and won a succession of awards for the station.
Mr Dickson retired in 2000, having posted the station’s best listening figures since its launch in 1973.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Dickson, who died aged 82 yesterday.
Graham Bryce, group managing director of Bauer Radio in Scotland, said: “Alex Dickson was an inspirational broadcaster, an influential leader and one of the key figures in the growth of UK commercial radio.
“The high editorial standards and attention to detail he insisted upon were legendary and set the bar for others to follow.
“Our thoughts are with his family and many friends at this sad time.”
Dickson’s successor, Paul Cooney, said that after he had stepped down as Managing Director, they staying in touch as friends, but he always thought of him as “chief”.
He said: “He was amazing character: he demanded a lot and got the best out of people.
“He took me on as a very raw 18-year-old at Radio Clyde, and he told me that if I worked very hard, and I continued to be enthusiastic about the business, I would follow him as Managing Director.
“And then when he stood down, 25 years later, his word came true.”
Cooney, who is now CEO of the Kiltwalk, added: “If he saw [talent] he would spend a lot of time with people to improve them.
He always said ‘standard, commitment, value for money’, that’s what he wanted.”
Clyde Broadcast also paid tribute via Twitter, saying: “Clyde Broadcast are saddened to hear of the passing of Alex Dickson, former MD of Radio Clyde.
“A number of our team worked with Alex in the infancy of our company. That relationship between Radio Clyde and Clyde Broadcast is still held today. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Mr Dickson was an Honorary Air Commodore of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and received the Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal (Q.V.R.M.).
He is survived by his wife Anna, aged 82, and son Simon, a TV producer with Channel 4.