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Of all the broadcasters I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years, John Stapleton stood apart – not just for his journalistic integrity, but for the rare humanity he brought to the studio floor.

I first met John in the late 1980s, when I was invited to appear on Central Weekend Live, one of the few programmes brave enough to tackle difficult social issues head-on. John wasn’t just a presenter; he facilitated the truth, challenged complacency, and listened in the deepest sense. Over the years, I appeared with him several times on Central Weekend Live, The Time, The Place and other current affairs shows.

My late wife, Jill Saward, whose life was shaped by her tireless campaigning for rape law reform, also appeared alongside John on several occasions. He treated her with the utmost respect – not as a victim, not even solely as a campaigner, but as a woman of conviction whose voice deserved to be heard without interruption or sensationalism.

John had a gift for navigating the emotional terrain of live television. He could hold a room full of angry voices, passionate pleas, and painful memories – while bringing clarity without ever diminishing the gravity of what was being said.

What struck me most was his ability to balance empathy with editorial rigour. He wasn’t there to coddle or provoke; he was there to understand. That’s a rare quality in broadcasting, especially in the era of tabloid television. John’s journalism was never about chasing ratings – it was about elevating public discourse.

Whether he was reporting from the frontlines of breaking news or moderating a heated studio debate, he carried himself with a quiet authority that made people feel safe enough to speak honestly.

Behind the scenes, he was just as generous. He’d greet guests personally, offer reassurance before the cameras rolled, and follow up after difficult broadcasts. Jill and I both appreciated that. For survivors of trauma, media appearances can be re-traumatising. John understood that instinctively. He never exploited pain for drama; he honoured it with dignity.

His career spanned decades  – from TV-AM to GMTV, from Watchdog to Good Morning Britain. But it was in those gritty, late-night regional debates and daytime audience shows that I saw the real John Stapleton at work. He believed in the power of public conversation to shape policy, challenge injustice, and give ordinary people a platform. And he did it without ego.

Even in retirement, John remained a voice of reason in a media landscape increasingly dominated by outrage and clickbait. His passing leaves a void – not just in broadcasting, but in the broader culture of public accountability. He was one of the few who understood that journalism isn’t just about telling stories; it’s about listening to them, amplifying them, and making sure they reach the right ears. He will be missed.

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