One of Norfolk’s longest-serving and best-known broadcast journalists, Mike Hill, has died in hospital, in Norwich, after a short illness. He was 61.
Hill retired from his job as a producer at Anglia News two years ago after a career in journalism that spanned 43 years. It was a career characterised by a passion for local news, an indomitable sense of humour and a close comradeship with colleagues.
Guy Adams, controller of news at Anglia Television, said: “Mike was a man of enormous personal charm and great professional abilities.
“He was an immensely popular member of the Anglia News team, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
Born in Norwich and educated at the City of Norwich School, Hill left at 16 to become a journalist at Ted Chamberlin’s news agency in the city.
It gave him an intensive grounding in his chosen profession – something he always maintained was invaluable as he moved through a succession of senior jobs, both at BBC East and, later, Anglia Television.
Hill joined the BBC in Norwich in 1970, later becoming assistant news editor on Look East, and spending some time working in the London and Southampton newsrooms. In 1987, he joined Anglia Television as a bulletin editor, later becoming news editor, and then the producer in charge of news planning.
He retired in 2001 and relished the chance to spend more time with his family, indulge his passion for travelling and improve his golf.
Hill leaves a widow, Gloria, two children, Matthew and Susie, son-in-law Andrew, daughter-in-law Rachel and a grandchild, Kathryn, whom he adored.
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