Obituaries
Death of broadcasting's Steve Harris
Steve Harris, who has died, was hugely respected throughout broadcasting in particular for his commitment to the training of journalists working in broadcasting and the maintenance of the highest possible standards of training.
Steve, an NUJ member, was accreditations director of the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC), having worked in every sector of the media industry: newspapers, radio and television, and most recently web and the City.
NUJ general treasurer and a leader of the union’s broadcasting journalists for several decades John Barsby said: "Steve was dedicated to making sure that more than sixty BJTC accredited courses provide the highest standards of training to enable students to fulfil their ambitions to become broadcast journalists. The industry, as well as hundreds of students, owe Steve a great debt for the many years of work that made sure the BJTC is recognised as the lead body for training broadcast journalists. He'll be sadly missed."
NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet also expressed the union's sense of loss at his death: "Steve gave so much to the world of journalism training over many years. His work on behalf of the NUJ made a big difference in improving the quality of training provision and to ensuring students get the best possible education and the first step on a rewarding career in journalism. Steve will be much missed by his many friends and colleagues throughout the NUJ."
Chair of NUJ professional training committee Profcom Chris Wheal: "Steve was a grafter who never sought glory. He visited universities and courses around the country, wrote the all-important guidelines and reports and cajoled working journalists and company executives to come with him and give their input. His contribution to the highest standards in journalism training cannot be overstated. He was one of the NUJ's unsung heroes. His other great passion was fine wine and I, for one, shall be raising a glass to him."
