Steve Hewlett’s family has today confirmed that he passed away this morning, whilst listening to Bob Dylan with his family, at the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Steve Hewlett presented Radio 4’s Media Show from 2008 when the programme launched. He was a Guardian columnist and had previously been editor of BBC Panorama. He was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in March 2016 and since September he had been speaking to Eddie Mair on Radio 4’s PM about his treatment and writing his cancer diaries for The Observer.

Eddie Mair shared the news with listeners in a tribute to Steve in his usual Monday interview slot on PM at 5.30pm this evening.

On Wednesday afternoon The Media Show will reflect Steve’s remarkable stewardship of the programme defined by his wit, tenacity and his encyclopaedic media expertise. He was a clever, warm and funny colleague who will be greatly missed.

The BBC’s Director-General, Tony Hall said: "Steve Hewlett was an exceptional journalist. His analysis of the media industry was always essential listening. Steve was a trusted voice that embodied everything positive in public service journalism. He was hugely popular not just with viewers and listeners, but with BBC staff.

"When I saw him last week, I told him how much I have admired his brave interviews with Eddie Mair about his treatment which he did with a candour and sense of inquiry that was typically Steve.

"Our thoughts are with his family and many friends.”

Radio 4 Controller, Gwyneth Williams said: “Steve Hewlett will be much missed as an outstanding journalist.

“He was rational and informed, hard-nosed and witty, never taking himself too seriously but unpicking the stories he covered with great seriousness.

“We will certainly miss his weekly presence on Radio 4, and I will miss him personally as a longstanding colleague from the days when we worked together in News. We send our deepest sympathy to his family.”