Former National Union of Journalists general secretary Ken Morgan has died aged 86.
According to the NUJ, which Morgan led for seven years, he died on 5 August in Farnborough, Kent.
Morgan stepped down as NUJ general secretary in 1977 to become joint secretary of the UK Press Council regulator.
He was the council's director for ten years and oversaw the start of the Press Complaints Commission. He was director for its first year in 1991.
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Morgan continued as a trustee of the union and chairman of the Journalists' Copyright Fund until three years ago, the NUJ said.
Seamus Dooley, NUJ assistant general secretary, said: "Ken Morgan served as general secretary with distinction. He steered the union through turbulent waters with style, forbearance and commitment.
"His commitment to ethical journalism was reflected in his decision to take up a new post with the Press Council. The interpersonal skills which served him so well in fighting external and internal battles as NUJ general secretary were called upon in that very challenging role.
"Those who worked with Ken Morgan always remarked upon his innate courtesy, personal charm and mild manner, qualities which sometimes masked a steely determination and shrewd tactical mind. He is remembered with affection and admiration by many colleagues and friends across the union and in the media industry.
"He was regarded a man of principle who never courted popularity or sought to curry favour."
The NUJ said Morgan is survived by his wife, Margaret, a former reporter and NUJ Stockport branch secretary.
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