Peter Donaldson

Died: November 3, 2015

THE Radio 4 newsreader Peter Donaldson, who has died aged 70, was a doyen of the BBC for 40 years. His accuracy in delivery and pronunciation earned him the admiration and respect of both the listening public and his colleagues.

He was recognised as the Voice of Radio 4 and represented what the founder of the corporation, Lord Reith, described as "the kind of speech that the largest number of people would easily understand". But it was no throw back to a former time: his clarity and diction were impeccable and by the time he finally retired in 2012, he had adapted to suit contemporary speech.

His microphone technique was flawless. His delivery – rich, calm and precise – was matched by his ability to suit the item in the news: there was an authority and correctness about everything he did on air.

That clarity and authority was recognised in 2005 when it was revealed by the National Archive that, in the event of a nuclear attack, Peter Donaldson had been chosen to read the news bulletins. On the prepared dummy he could be heard in a sombre voice reassuring the nation: "This is the Wartime Broadcasting Service. This country has been attacked by nuclear weapons. Stay tuned to this wavelength, stay calm and stay in your own homes."

Peter Ian Donaldson was born in Cairo where his father was in the army. The family moved to Cyprus in 1952 and Peter was educated in Suffolk. He spent a few years working in the theatre –appearing in minor roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company. His introduction to the BBC came when his father, who was still living in Cyprus, heard the forces' radio advertising for announcers. Mr Donaldson applied, passed the audition and worked in Cyprus, Aden, Libya and Malta.

In 1970, he returned to London and joined Radio 2 as a newsreader. In 1973 he joined Radio 4, was promoted to chief announcer in 1988 and his final title was chief announcer and head of continuity. Mr Donaldson was to remain a central figure in the news department at Broadcasting House which was reflected when John Humphreys emotionally announced his death on the Today programme.

Mr Donaldson worked long hours - often presenting the news bulletins throughout the Christmas period. He finally stepped down after reading the midnight news on December 31, 2012.

His admiration and love of the traditions of Radio 4 were absolute. He did not care for tampering by the authorities and fought to preserve the station's identity. His time as newsreader with the Today programme saw him at his most influential. Once the new Director General, Greg Dyke, sent round a missive that they should "cut the crap" from BBC bulletins. Mr Donaldson threw his in the bin and promptly sent an email to the DG, "Taken your advice - and cut the crap". He then informed Ariel, the BBC's in-house newspaper, to ensure his action was known throughout the organisation.

In the Seventies he risked his own career when he took on the BBC hierarchy live on air. Mr Donaldson was asked to present a programme before Today called Up To The Hour about whose format Mr Donaldson had strong reservations. On purpose he gave his name incorrectly and continued, "This is Donald Peterson to take you Up To The Hour, drive you out to work or send you round the dial to Radio 2. And if you're staying, you're very brave." Many thought he would be sacked on the spot but the Today team supported Mr Donaldson and the programme was axed.

He was seldom thrown by the in-studio antics of his colleagues: a Today announcer set fire to the Shipping forecast as Donaldson was reading it. As the flames spread Mr Donaldson breathlessly rushed through the forecast with matchless precision.

He was not immune to the occasional verbal gaff and on at least one occasion, The Daily Telegraph became the Daily Torygraph and reporting a summit at the White House Mr Donaldson said The White Horse – which was his local pub in Sussex.

His retirement party was held in the Yorkshire Grey – the pub close to Broadcasting House where Mr Donaldson had been a regular over many years. "Peter was a most convivial colleague with a fund of irreverent stories" one friend recalled. "He much enjoyed 15 year old malts and claret - especially Merlot."

On his retirement he looked back on his career with a sense of enthusiastic satisfaction. "It was fun. Still is fun" he said. "The new technology is different but the fun remains: the adrenalin flows and the arm pits still tingle for a live broadcast."

Mr Donaldson is survived by his wife Aileen and two sons.

ALASDAIR STEVEN