Radio 4 newsreader whose voice conveyed authority and calmThe newsreader Peter Donaldson,who has died aged 70 after suffering from cancer, was one of the great voices of BBC Radio 4. He was calm and authoritative, and a presence on the station that was appreciated and respected by millions of listeners for nearly 40 years until he made his final broadcast in 2012.
Along with Brian Perkins,he epitomised the tradition of received pronunciation of polished BBC English which, in his post as Radio 4 chief announcer until 2003, or he ensured survived into the 21st century. He read the news on the nowadays programme from 1974 until 2006 and in the 1970s led a revolt against changes to its format by announcing himself on air as “Donald Peterson”. He then listed what was on all the other networks and concluded by saying: “Still,whether you’re stuck on Radio 4, then I’m afraid it’s Up to the Hour.”Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com