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Tributes for Gaby Rado |
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Appreciation |
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Published: 18-Sept-2003
By: Channel 4 News
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A Service of Thanksgiving for the life and work of Channel 4 News journalist Gaby Rado, was held this morning, Thursday 18th September, at 11.30am.
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To enable more people to view the service, you can watch a copy of the live webcast here:
Click to see the Narrowband video. (56k)
Click to see the Broadband video. (300k)
You can see a copy of the order of the service here:
Order of Service - PDF version. Requires Adobe Reader
Order of Service - Word document.
Below are some of the many emails we received following his death in Northern Iraq on March 30:
It seems inconceivable that I am standing somewhere on this planet and Gaby is not. For more than 25 years he has been such a major focus of my life that all this seems a terrible, fantastic dream.
We had such times together Gaby and I. We met, married and travelled the world. Foolish explorers! We made three brilliant, beautiful boys. Proud parents. We laughed, argued and dreamed together.
He wasn't perfect, none of us are. But he was a good soul - deep and kind and strong. He was a fabulous father and a dear, dear, friend.
We are all stars together you and I but one of the best and the brightest has been put out.
Carol Rado
Wife 1980 - 2001
Friend always
As Gaby's son I just want to let every one of you know that he was an amazing dad to Nicky, Louis and me; he has made us proud.
I count myself extremely lucky to be his son. He passed away doing the job he loved so much and what's more he was undoubtedly one of the best reporters out there. Thanks everyone for showing your love and appreciation for my dad. It means so much.
Thanks for everything Dad. I'll never forget you. I love you.
Tom
 | |  | | Gaby in Konduz | The Salang Pass |
I am extremely sad to hear the news of the death of Gaby Rado. I spent many weeks with Gaby in foreign places, usually horrible ones, covering stories for ITN.
I was so grateful for Gaby's company whilst in Afghanistan, Gaby always managed to keep morale up and despite the constant risk of being killed, could always manage some sort of humour.
I remember with great fondness, driving from Kabul up to Konduz in the North of Afghanistan in the back of a beat up people carrier, fully laden with gear. Despite driving for 2 days through the desert, choking on the fine dust and melting under the searing heat, Gaby managed to sleep virtually the whole way, snoring louder than the rattle of the near to death Toyota engine that was propelling us.
Despite Gaby's relaxed style, to me, he was one of the finest foreign correspondents that I have had the privilege of working with. Gaby told a story that was as clear to the young as it was unpatronising to the well informed.
He was a pleasure to work with, a great team player and a lovely man.
My deepest sympathies go out to his family and colleagues.
Sean Mulcahy
Former ITN Cameraman
Gaby was different. A British broadcaster from Budapest. A top correspondent who worked in difficult places, but who never became difficult himself. A man without an ego, despite his very real achievements. A man with a sense of humour - who'd joke that he spoke Hungarian like an eight year-old.
We spent two weeks together in Moscow at another time of tragedy for his family. He was, as ever, insightful, composed and decent. It is inconceivable that we won't see him again, and it hurts.
Malcolm Balen
(Programme editor, 1987-94)
Whenever Jon Snow said, "Gaby Rado now reports..." I would try to quell the family tea-time uproar to catch what he had to say.
Though I never met the guy, I always felt like I was being addressed and informed by a kindred spirit. In Jon's moving and affectionate obit you hit the nail on the head with one word - humanity. It shone through all his reports.
Over the years, I've worked with dozens of seen-it-all, cynical crews who, when we hit the bar at the end of a day's shoot, would like to talk of previous adventures in other foreign hell-holes.
Once they'd unloaded their tales of the baddies they would then pour praise on the goodies. And the one name that came up again and again from these hard-bitten, grit-in-the-eye veterans was that of Gaby Rado. The consensus was "bloody smashing bloke".
Dreadful news. He was a guy who, clearly, cared.
Andy Kershaw
BBC Radio 3 presenter
I never worked in the field with Gaby. Instead our friendship was forged over something equally bonding, at least to Gaby and me - lunch. He was so often away that when in the office I tried to make sure I booked him early. Over an hour we would normally resolve the Middle East, the Balkans, the genius of Billy Wilder and the flaws of Crystal Palace before pudding. He was fascinating company - but so modest. When talking about the fall of communism, you'd never have guessed that he actually was there when it happenned. No Gaby based anecdotes - just stories that sounded as if they came from someone else's experience, not his.
Not that we just talked about work. There was plenty of gossip - a new titbit would be relayed with a mischievious Terry-Thomas style raise of the eyebrows. Always witty, but absolutely never cruel. I had a drink with him the day I found out my wife was having twins. In chatting, he told me how much he loved his children, and how he'd lost a son. That evening I might have stirred painful memories for him but he didn't show it at all. I think he was telling me that having two kids at the same time might not be all bad news.
Gaby was a fantastic reporter. No correspondent got in between the story and the viewer less than Gaby. Thank you for all you taught me; for all those two ways on the Channel 4 breakfast programme in your final days with us; for the video of "The Fall of Milosevic" you lent me just before you went to Northern Iraq . And thanks so much for lunch - mixed kebab will never taste as good again.
Ben Monro-Davies
Friend and colleague
Since moving from the village, a few years ago, our family continued to watch Chanel 4 news, and this really became a means of regularly seeing our friend.
His familiar, sensitive ,soft, yet strong voice that was so uniquely Gaby's, used to have me scamper into the lounge at supper time to "catch sight of him", as well as watch him report so brillantly from afar.
We all miss him, and send dear Carol, Tom, Louis ,and the rest of Gaby's family our love and sympathy. He will always remain in our thoughts and hearts. God Bless you Gaby, peacefully resting with Nicky.
Ray,Amber,Stephanie & Carly
I just wanted to send you a note to say how shocked and sorry I was to hear about Gaby's death. His contribution to human rights journalism was huge, and his reports were always so sensitively and thoughtfully delivered. As the person at Amnesty International who organises the Media Awards every year, I will miss his contributions to the TV news category. His news reports always set a high standard and expectation in that category.
Please pass on my condolences and those of my colleagues who work with me, to all at Channel 4 News.
Kind regards
Annabel Harris
Media Awards Coordinator
Information and Publicity Office
Amnesty International UK
We knew Gaby when we were all cub reporters on The Kentish Times in the 70's. He was passionate about so many things, yet never wasted his energy on anger or quick judgements.
His humour and delight in people made him a very special person,a very dear friend and helped him to become a very insightful and sensitive reporter. Along with so many others, we send our condolances to his family and colleagues.
Charmaine and Miles Hedley
I can't believe he died last week and have just found the obit and email dedications.
I had the great privilege during a summer break from college about 14yrs ago (although at the time did not realise this) of working with him on a report about - wait for it - waste dumping in the UK - it was in his early days as a reporter at C4news!
He remained with them as many others have because it is such a great place to work and a great team to be a part of and his loss must be a terrible burden for his colleagues and friends as well as his family.
Adam Hayes, Head of Production
We learnt of the tragic news Sunday morning from a friend who called from London. It was too incredible to believe, too painful to comprehend.
I first met Gaby when he and Carol, his first wife and my best friend at high school, came to visit me in New York when they did their world tour. Even then he was a captivating man with an incredible voice, strong yet sensitive. One sensed he would become someone one day, even at that early stage of his career.
He shall be missed by many, he shall always be a part of us.
We wish to send our deepest sympathy to the wonderful boys he and Carol have, Tom and Louis. Our thoughts are with Carol and his whole family and for those of you who have been lucky to work with him over the years, in his too short a career.
Our love and our sympathy,
Magda and Tom Bondy
Scottsdale, Arizona
I grieve with all Channel 4 journalists at the death of Gaby Rado. He was an exemplary journalist who never forgot about the victims of conflicts, never stopped exposing injustice, and never seemed to lose his
passion for story telling. Gaby came often to our events at the Freedom Forum European Centre and took an active part in the discussions.
He clearly cared deeply about the quality of journalism beyond any career concerns. I also admired his commitment to working with local journalists.
I join his friends and loyal viewers in mourning his death. I do hope that his family and loved ones can find some inner strength to help them during
this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
John Owen
As insatiable followers of channel 4 news we were profoundly shocked by the news, it felt visceral. And now a few days later we realise how much we are missing him, and how much you as a team are missing him.
Please do not leave this vacuum for too long, my guess is that Gaby would be the first to say time to move on and get someone else on the ground in Northern Iraq.
His high standards are also your standards and the best memorial to him would be to constantly think of what he would say in these incredibly difficult times. He was a beacon of sense and so are you all.
Keep it up.
Julian & Baiba Greatrex
I have watched Channel 4 News since its launch (with Peter Sissons at the helm) and, living alone myself, have come to regard the girls and boys of the team there as a sort of extended family and also continually admired the excellence of their reporting and comment.
I was therefore deeply shocked to learn of Gaby Rado's passing. He will be greatly missed both for his professional journalistic and personal qualities and my sympathy goes to his co-workers and also to his real family.
Clive Forder
Aintree, Liverpool
Just wanted to email to say how sad I am to hear that Gaby Rado has died - when you watch a news program day in day out you feel you know the people who work on it and with a program as detailed as Channel 4 News and with such lengthy and impressive reports, the faces on the screen often seem more than that.
It is sad that a reporter so obviously talented as Gaby has died and I just want to express my sadness to the team and to his family, I am sure he will be missed by the viewers as well, though our loss is nothing compared to yours and his family's.
With deep sadness
Nick Posford
I am sad and shocked to hear of the untimely death of Gaby Rado. I didn't know him but I will miss him. I am sad for your terrible loss. He was an exceptionally gifted reporter. He will be a part of my memory as long as I live.
Best Wishes,
Richard Lord
Perhaps there are many like me who have come to recognise the integrity and humanity of Channel 4 News reporting. Gaby Rado was a member of that team. We, many of whom have known grief ourselves, can often do no more than stand alongside those who grieve. Respectfully and with sadness,
Pete Haywood.
I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news of Gaby Rado’s death yesterday evening. I always found his reports really informative, intelligent and interesting. He was admired by many Kurds and will always be remembered. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
M. Howbash
London
Dear Channel 4,
In times like this the death of a single individual may be a small part of the overall picture but I think I speak for every viewer of Channel 4 news when I say that Gaby Rado will be sorely missed. He had a quality so rare in journalists in that he instantly inspired trust and respect and his determination to report the news as he saw it, however vile and shocking it may be, is something all to uncommon yet so valuable in our world.
My deepest sympathies to all who knew him, especially his wives and children.
Mathew Sims
Aberystwyth
As a viewer of the Channel 4 news, this is one of the biggest shocks to come across since the start of this war. This is a loss of a professional class, always endlessly exhibited through his reports. He was one character too unique to be lost in any circumstance.
My heartfelt condolence to his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.
Rest in peace.
Amen.
Ben Ogbolu
London.
I am still trying to come to terms with the loss of Gaby Rado. I had the privilege to know Gaby and Carol as our two young sons became firm friends many years ago and continue to be very close. He was a very special, kind, charming man and a fantastic father and will be hugely missed in this small community in which he spent a great part of his life.
Kathy and Andy Taylor
My thoughts and sympathies go out to Gaby's children, wife and family and other loved ones. I always thought he reported as how a true journalist should, that is unbiased and genuine, a real tragedy, I hope that somebody is there that can carry the burning torch of his true voice in the media.
May he rest in peace and may God give his loved ones much patience and support.
Ghazala Mirza
Scientist
Oxfordshire
As I watched the news last night, I could not believe when Jon Snow announced the death of Gaby Rado - I felt as though I had lost a relative. A reporter with gravitas and a sensible and sensitive approach, he will be sorely missed from my screen.
Lauraine Mulberry
I am totally distraught by the death of Gaby Rado. Gaby's eldest son is one of my best friends, and I would just like to convey my sympathies for him and his family. I wish them all of the support they could need during this time.
May he rest in peace,
Edd Couchman,
Sevenoaks, Kent
The members of the Embassy of Serbia and Montenegro are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of the outstanding journalist gaby Rado. Some of us had the pleasure of cooperating closely with him for many years during his reporting of the developments in the former Yugoslavia.
On behalf of the Embassy of Serbia and Montenegro and in my own name, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy.
Please convey to Mr Rado's wife Desa and his family our heartfelt condolences.
Dr Vladeta Jankovic, Ambassador
Such sad news about Gaby Rado. News journalists become familiar faces in homes across the country at times like these, and his informative and balanced reports will be missed.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Natalie
Dear Channel 4 team,
I am very sorry to hear of the death of Gaby Rado.His excellent work contributed to the very high standard of coverage of news you distinguished yourselves with. My condolences to his family and friends.
Maha Risha
I am very saddened, not to say shocked, to hear of the death of your correspondent Gaby Rado. His qualities were outstanding. He reported with such integrity and his work always reflected a serious depth of analysis and an unflinching search for the truth. What a huge loss. Please pass my deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues.
Delma Warden
Folkestone, UK
I woke up in the middle of the night, still in utter disbelief and couldn’t sleep. My family and I (8 of us) met Gaby and Carol in Poros, Greece in 1981, while they were vacationing. Their quiet get away was instantly transformed. We have remained close friends ever since, with extended stays at each other’s homes across the Atlantic. With short notice, Gaby gathered his family and made it to our wedding in Sedona, Arizona in 1995.
We knew Gaby personally, not as a journalist, but as a wonderful friend, father and husband. We will miss his humor, eloquence and presence dearly. We send our warm thoughts and sympathy to Carol, Tom, Louie and Dessa.
Arian Colachis and Ian Glass
Seattle, Washington
To all the News Team, wherever you are.
It's as if the world has changed yet again. Gaby Rado has made a significant difference; he conveyed his experience of the truth, and that of others, with sensitivity, insight, integrity and courage.
It could be difficult for the team to continue 'as usual'. Perhaps it has been made possible in part, because of the memories of his wry smile, as well the warm sound of his voice. I was shocked, then felt really sad.
With many thoughts too, for all of you in Iraq and other 'difficult places' - Thank you.
Rosie Claxton
Chevening, Kent.
As one of the countless viewers who looked forward to Gaby Rabo's moving and informative reports, I can't begin to imagine how his colleagues, as well as his immediate family, must be feeling now. Being forced to report on the tragic death of such a close and much-loved colleague must be a reporter's or presenter's nightmare.
May God bless and comfort you, his family, the people whose plight he reported on, and all who'll miss his unique and insightful reports.
Maeveen Clancy
Dear Channel Four News
My family and I were devastated to hear of Gaby's tragic death at the weekend. We have loved him ever since he first appeared on Channel 4 News, and he was our favourite foreign correspondent. As others have said, he brought so much to his reports, which were full of humanity and understanding. We are very sad to lose him, and shall miss him very much.
All good wishes
Claire O'Kell
Hearing the terribly sad news of Gaby Rado's death, and watching the moving tribute to him on this mornings 'War Report', I realised how indebted I have been to the knowledge, insight, courage and humanity of C4 News journalists like Gaby. Reporting from the front lines, but offering an overview and properly critical perspective, Gaby brought the subjects that have been our concern home and to life. He will be deeply missed by thousands he never met, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Sincerely
David Campbell
Professor of International Politics, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
I always listened intensely to his reports because they seemed to me to be definitive and how it really was. I looked forward to hearing his words and knew that they were never far from the truth. Unlike politicians, his word could always be believed.
Until now I never really realised just how much he and Channel 4 reporters touch our lives in bringing us the news every day. I am somewhat surprised at my response - I never ever met him or knew him, but am deeply touched by his death. It can only be because, as you have said, his true humanity came through in his words.
The warmth with which you speak of him on tonight's broadcast bridges the gap between the TV and the viewer and brings home the loss he will be not only to you as his friends and family, but to people like me who rely on the Channel 4 new team to put a perspective on world events which allow us to see the truth behind the hype of politicians.
Please pass on my deepest sympathy to his family. I am sure there are many like me, saddened and yes, upset by his sudden departure from this earth.
Chris Ingram
Merseyside
Having just heard the news of your sad loss, I just wanted to convey that the sadness you feel is felt on this side of the Atlantic too. Certainly we cannot feel it as deeply as those that knew and worked with him personally, but those of us who have come to rely on your presentation of the news, including Gaby Rado's reporting, certainly share in the loss. Please send my condolences to his family, including his extended family throughout Channel 4.
Charles Grapski
University of Florida
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the death of Gaby Rado; may he rest in the Peace of God, safe from the inhumanity of Man, forever. Love, Light, Blessings, and Deepest Sympathy to you all.
Rev. Dian Nicholson,
Toronto
Very sorry to hear about Gaby's death. He always came across to the viewer like a trusted friend. A unique character who will never be replaced.
Bob Greaves.
John Simpson has asked me to convey his condolences to you an all of Gaby's colleagues and to send his best wishes to you at this dreadful time. Unfortunately, he is unable to write this himself while out there (in Northern Iraq). John told me that everyone in the field was shocked and stunned at Gaby's untimely death, and much of yesterday was spent recounting stories and reminiscences of Gaby, all of which illustrated his very special character.
John has known Gaby during their years spent on various battlefields and beyond. John says Gaby was not just one of the finest journalists, but also a human being in the very best sense; a one-of-a-kind; a gentleman. I can attest to this, as John used to point him out to me as just that whenever his reports came up on television.
Please pass on how sorry we are for yours and Channel 4's loss, not to mention everyone to whom Gaby had been dear.
Gina Nelthorpe-Cowne,
PA to John Simpson, BBC Foreign Affairs Editor
I was at Primary School with Gaby when he first came to this country at the age of eight. He was tall, dark, friendly, outgoing, charming and had a winning smile still evident forty years on. When he joined our class he could hardly speak English. Three years later he gained entry to a top South London school - that is a measure of his intellect.
We became close friends at school, and I have many fond memories of him from the sixties. We attended each others' birthday parties,but as a young lad I never had a really strong idea of what he had gone through hitherto - as he was so modest and unassuming.
I was shattered to hear of his death, and wish I had made contact with him from seeing him on TV news broadcasts. I pass my really heartfelt condolences to all his family - he was an exceptional guy.
Andrew Martin
I was utterly shocked and saddened to hear about Gaby Rado's death. I always felt he was one of the very best and most intelligent reporters on TV news, whose reports were always careful, thoughtful and trustworthy. What a tragic loss, both for his family and for all of us who have so valued his reporting over the years.
Please, please make sure that Lindsey Hilsum in Baghdad and your other reporters in Iraq stay safe - every time I see bombs falling in Baghdad I fear for her safety, and think how brave she is.
Alison Ryder-Cook
It was with great regret that I have read the news of you correspondent Gaby Rado's Death. It seems as if, for as long as I have been watching the news on 4, he has been there, delivering his reports, in a style that I had grown to appreciate as I have and learned, and indeed, been elightened by people such as he. I wish to pass on my sympathies to His familily and your selves on the loss of the man and colleague. I am sure you will all feel his loss terribly. It has been upon the works of such as he that we have been able to know the world in which we live.
Kindest regards at this difficult time.
Mr Paul Letts
I would like to present my condolences to his family as well as the Channel 4 News team for such a great loss. I wish there more such talented professionals in the British media. Whenever you heard the name "Gaby Rado", you knew a quality report was coming up.
A man of exception.
Pierre Larue
Norwich
May we add our condolences to the many you must be receiving about the sad loss of Gaby Rado. He exemplified the highest standards of honesty and humanity that we have come to expect and respect from your team. May we all aspire to his qualities of integrity and modesty. Hopefully, then, there would be less of the carnage and destruction that formed much of his reportage.
With much love,
Ian Thatcher and Molly McPharlin
I am compelled to write to you to say that I will, above all, miss the delivery of his voice each evening. Today I have come to realise the impact your dedicated and professional reporters have on my day to day activities. Your report on his life demonstrated to me why I am so devoted to your presentation of news and current affairs; I will miss that informed delivery, characteristic tone and distinctive inflection which I now realise gave me a sense of security in my daily well-being. I have watched Gaby Rado reporting for as long as I have had an interest in world events, and for me he has always been amongst the most incisive, honest and trustworthy people in the world of news.
Nicholas Grigsby
A note to say how absolutely shocked and saddened I am to hear about Gaby's death. He was one of the most talented, tenacious, skilled and generous reporters in the business. He had admirers everywhere, who recognised his gimmick-free, objective presentation, and tremendous ability to communicate complex stories in a straightforward fashion. It's a devastating loss to the industry, and to viewers around the world.
Simon Marks
Former ITN staffer.
It is extremely sad in my view that we have lost two greats in television journalism in the past week, namely Terry Lloyd and Gaby Rado. One always had the highest respect for the standard of reporting and incisive analysis of world events that these two men produced. I know that ITN News produces material for Channel 4 and this organisation will I know manage to continue to produce top quality journalism despite this tragic loss.
Mark Flett
To hear of his passing has saddened me beyond words, although it is some comfort to know that he died doing the job he was born to do, and having reached a stage in his career where he had proved himself at the top of his profession.
If it is possible I wonder if you could pass on my heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues. The news will never be the same again.
Solemn regards,
John Swire
We were shocked and saddened to hear today of Gaby Rado's death. He was, it seemed to us, as devotees of the 7 o'clock Channel 4 News, an exemplary reporter, in as much as he combined strict professionalism with a compassion for the plight of the individuals whom he interviewed. Never did he show any signs of being superior to those with whom it was his job to deal. He was never, in our experience, remotely condescending.
He was one of an excellent team of reporters and as such he will be sadly missed.
Our heart goes out to his family, his friends and his colleagues in their loss.
Alan & Carol Anthony
I'm so deeply sorry to hear about the death of such a clever, humane and sentient reporter. How shocking and how immeasurably sad. With sincerest sympathy to his family and all at Channel 4 News,
Fleur Treglown & Joe Stubley
London
Gaby was a couple of years above me at school (King's College School, Wimbledon) in the early 70s. I made my school acting debut in Shakespeare's HENRY IV PART ONE as 2nd Traveller. Gaby played Prince Hal - actually rather well. At sixteen or so he also had a lot more hair. For years I had a black-and-white photo of him in ill-fitting tights being spat at by a similarly youthful Falstaff.
I was always very tickled to see Gaby report from different parts of the world and discover that what the theatre world had lost television news had more than gained - in his reports he was always concise, unsentimental and often very quietly brave, in the very best traditions of TV's greatest war reporters. Only a week ago I remember wondering whether he'd ever had an eye on Jon Snow's job - their banter on C4 News always seemed very affectionate.
He really was someone who seemed to have a very bright and deserved future ahead of him. It would be wrong to say I knew Gaby well but - like many - I'm profoundly shocked by his sudden and apparently accidental death. What an awful war this is.
Simon Treves
We, the viewers, have lost a trusted friend. A real journalist, such a rare thing. We can ill afford this terrible loss. All our condolences to his family and collegues.
Charlie MacDonald & Kate Winskill
I was at primary school with Gaby, and so it was always special to see him on Channel 4 News. I heard of his death on the car radio in the early hours of this morning, and I'm still trying to take it in.
My sympathy to his family and to all the team at Channel 4 News.
Mike Beasley
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to all those who knew and worked with Gaby Rado, as well as to his family. He was a superb journalist who really made the subjects that he reported on very interesting and alive. I have been watching Channel 4 news for the last few years and he is a familiar, friendly face who will be sorely missed.
Kind regards
Pippa Mettawa
I am devastated to know that I will never listen to Gaby Rado's erudite commentary on important political issues again. His has been the voice of truth and reason for many years, and synonimous with Chanell 4 news for me. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time. He will be sorely missed.
Elaine Rowland
I just want to say how very shocked and saddened I was to hear yesterday of the death of Gaby Rado. I thought he was an excellent journalist and always found his reports really informative, intelligent and interesting. It is a difficult and dangerous job and I really admire all of your journalists that put
themselves in the front line like this. It is a very valuable service they provide for us and one I personally appreciate very much. Please pass on my sincere condolences to all his family, friends and colleagues. It is a great loss.
Yours
Jo Spiller
I came to Britain from Taiwan three years ago for my PhD research, and I watch your news program with my wife every night. I am deeply shocked when I learned Gaby Rado's death this morning.
I would like to send my condolences to Rado's family and colleagues with the sincerest thoughts. We will be with you all the time.
Shih-Diing Liu,
London
I can't explain it but I am sitting here with tears running down my face. Just a journalist? Just a face on the evening news? This is such a tragic loss to journalism and to the truth. This war must stop now. Bring everyone home. Enough is enough. My deepest condolences to all at Channel 4 news and to his family.
Clare Ransom
I remember him from the Falklands War when he was a radio reporter if I remember rightly. Certainly, I only heard audio reports from his very distinctive voice. Max Hastings was hailed as a great success out of that war but I must say I thought Gaby Rado the best of them all.
I know tributes tend to hyperbole but I thought yours accurate, from what I have seen of the man over the years. He really did have a compassionate nature but he still got to the facts. He also managed to be objective through this compassion, a rare feat. There must be so much temptation to be biased in journalists of intelligence up close to sometimes horrifying situations, as he was. I believe he was aware as the best of journalists are that those who watch the reports are suspicious of bias which diminishes the impact. Facts are so much more devastating in the cause of the oppressed, deprived and just simply neglected of the World. I have watched a great many of his reports over the years and I have nothing but the greatest respect for his work. It's a sad, sad loss.
Clive
Just writing to pass on my thoughts and prayers for Gaby’s family and colleagues. I will miss the warmth and depth of Gaby’s voice and the way his humility and integrity shone through.
If each person’s life is a gift to the world, then Gaby has given his own gift without reserve. For that I will always be thankful.
Pete
I wanted to say how saddened I was to hear of Gaby Rado's death and to extend my condolences to family, friends and colleagues. I particularly remember Gaby's reporting from the former Yugoslavia - his critical eye, objectiveness and empathy will be sorely missed.
Best wishes,
Susanna Di Feliciantonio
I just wanted to send my condolences to Gaby Rado's family and too all of you at Channel 4 for this devastating loss. Gaby Rado represented all that is best in international journalism - he was consistently articulate, emphathetic and informed.
He will be greatly missed.
Yours sincerely,
Roz Stevens
We have watched and admired Gaby Rado's courageous, sensitive, articulate reporting from limitless fields of war. We have also thought 'what a lovely and modest man'. Such qualities are rare on the screen. Your own loss spreads far out into your audience. We commend his memory as we curse this wretched war.
David and Linda Holmes
Walpole, Suffolk
I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear about Gaby's death at the weekend. You grow to depend on the correspondents to get a fair and rounded view of what is happening in the world, and Gaby was a master of that. He would break complex stories down clearly and with balance, and often relating to the human elements even in the middle of war and other major events. My deepest sympathies to his family - I know there's little we viewers can do practically, but I hope the fact he was so appreciated and valued through his reporting is a comfort to them.
Brian
Please convey my sadness at the news of the death of Gaby Rado. It seems so cruel that at a time when the reporting of news needs people like Rado arguably more than even, we have been stripped of another voice of clarity, calm, integrity, compassion and reason.
There is nothing more I can say.
Ian Nelson
We too felt an almost personal sense of bereavement on hearing the news and want to send our sincere condolences to his family and all his colleagues. Your tribute at the end of last night's news told us so much about this wonderful man as does Jon Snow's obituary. Thank you for that and may we hope, as we are sure you all hope, that this terrible and unnecessary war may soon end and put
no more of your reporters at risk.
Michael and Val Stephenson
I just wanted to say how sorry I am at the death of Gaby Rado: The Channel 4 news team is an exceptional team in terms of trying to inform viewers in an objective, honest fashion about the complex issues shaping our world today, and Gaby was a central part of that. I pray for his family and friends in their time of grief and loss.
Heather
I would just like to add my condolences to the many other tributes made by Channel 4 News viewers since the death of Gaby Rado. I recently switched from watching BBC News to C4, as I felt that the reporters on C4 gave a clearer and more impartial account of the awful events happening in Iraq. I was struck by the utter professionalism that shone through on Gaby's reports from Northern Iraq, and it is obvious he will be dearly missed both professionally and personally by everyone at ITN.
With deepest sympathy,
Kerrie Allen-O'Rourke
I am very saddened by the death of Gaby Rado. He was one of those few reporters one would always pay attention to given his impeccable track record in fairness, depth of analysis and humanity.
It is a tragic loss to his family, to the people who directly benefited, ultimately, from his exposure of atrocities in the Balkans and to the viewers at large who relied on his professionalism in a time of media demagoguery and self-serving publicity.
My deepest condoleances to his family and friends.
Ahmad Al Abdallah
Allow me to say how saddened I was yesterday to hear Jon Snow speak about Gaby Rado's untimely death.
Channel 4 news is the only interpretation of world and domestic affairs on television I feel comfortable with and he played an integral part in nurturing this.
Mr Rado's was an authoritative voice that brought clarity to many confusing political and social arenas. It was a voice that engaged the viewer and enabled the viewer to see a version of events seldom considered by others.It was a voice I could trust. I hope the vision and humanity he brought to his work will remain in us all.
Mark Donnelly
I'm deeply saddened by the loss of Gaby Rado. I had the greatest respect for him as a reporter, he always seemed to enthuse integrity in every report no matter how large or small. He'll be missed.
Farhana Begum
Desperately sorry to hear of Gaby's death - his reporting has always been highly informative. His explanation and reporting on the Balkans situation helped to make an extremely complex situation much more understandable.
Polly Purvis
I am writing to offer my condolences to Gaby Rado's family and all those who worked with him at Channel 4 News. Gaby's reports from the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere always seemed to undercut some of the voyeurism that is part of news-making and - watching by trying to capture the voice of
those who had little or no power - those to whom things were being done. He will be missed, by those of us who did not know him too.
Sincerely
Peter Rees
Deeply shocked and saddened. A huge loss.
Moira Napper
Aberdeen
Gaby Rado's sudden death has robbed television journalism of one of its most eloquent and effective correspondents and deprived his colleagues on Channel 4 News of a friend whose compassion and sensitivity in reporting conflict was unique.
Channel 4 News provided a rare media environment which allowed Gaby's distinctive reportage to flourish by providing him with airtime to explain complex issues in deeply divided societies, often at war or on the brink of war, with humanity and deep understanding.
He listened carefully to his interviewees and allowed them to speak and develop arguments for themselves giving his viewers the information to form their own judgements. Gaby's reporting acknowledged that the world does not conform to sterotypes and for him every assignment required a fresh approach, reappraisal and distillation of the issues that mattered most to those he reported on.
It was a powerful style of journalism, invariably delivered in a characteristically understated way. For many of his regular viewers he provided a lens through which they could monitor conflicts at a depth of understanding not otherwise available. Above all his own innate strengths of integrity and generosity of spirit inspired his reporting and created lifelong friendships among those of us who were privileged to have known him.
My special sympathy to Gaby's sons, his family and my former colleagues at Channel 4 News.
Garron Baines
Former Head of Channel 4 News
I was shocked to hear of Gaby Rado's death. A lovely man, a great reporter, a credit at all times to C4N. My heartfelt condolences to Gaby's family and to all those at C4N.
Angela Thomae
I would just like to pass my condolences on to the channel 4 news team at home and in Iraq, and Gaby's family. It's only now, faced with his death, that I realise how much I respected his authoritative observations and incisive reporting. He was definitely in a class of his own. Channel 4 news has lost a very professional and thoughtful reporter.
Simon Reigh
I was extremely saddened to learn of Gaby's untimely death in Iraq. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.
He was a great correspondent, the best I ever worked alongside. He always managed to stand out in a fiercely competitive business yet was never arrogant to viewers or colleagues, a rare talent. He was also genuinely warm with a nicely warped sense of humour, very good company. Badly missed by all who worked with him in Moscow.
Lawrence McDonnell
Myself and my husband were very sad indeed to hear of Gaby's death. He was one of those reporters whose presentations always kept us on the edge of our seats and paying attention to the very in-depth knowledge he had, and obvious sympathy for the local people. We will miss his news reports very much and send our deepest sympanthies to his family, friends and colleagues.
Michael and Marie Firth
Dear former ITN and Channel 4 colleagues,
The news of Gaby Rado's death has saddened many -- among his former colleagues, among the viewers of Channel 4 News, and in the wider community of television journalists.
His colleagues will remember a highly intelligent but modest, friendly and truly professional reporter, whose list of awards speaks for itself. The viewers will remember an insightful broadcaster, whose calm authority and well-researched coverage shed light on many a murky corner of our world. Journalists everywhere will remember someone who set the standards of fairness and good writing to which we should all aspire.
I send my own heartfelt commiserations to all his family, above all his wife and children. They can be proud of Gaby's memory and the inquiring spirit he translated into wonderful reporting.
In Gaby Rado and Terry Lloyd -- in many ways very different men, but in some essentials very similar -- ITN has lost two of its finest sons. But their example and their courage inspire us still.
Yours sincerely,
Charles Hodson
CNN Business Anchor
Channel 4 News, 1982-86
I was very shocked to hear of the death of Gaby Rado. When I switch on my TV each day to watch Channel 4 News and see familiar faces reporting to me from all four corners of the world, I feel as if I am in the company of old friends.
Having watched Gaby only last week, I now feel as if I have lost a good personal friend, even though I never had the privelege of actually meeting him.
His family must be devastated and my heart goes out to them and to all his colleagues at Channel 4 News. He will be sadly missed. God bless.
Kay
Gloucester
Gaby Rado epitomised everything that is so good in news reporting, and will surely be a very sad loss to his colleagues and profession. He will be sadly missed in my home. My sincerest sympathy to his family and friends.
Peter Johnson
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Gaby Rado's tragic death in Iraq. Channel 4 news is by far the best and most professional on television in my view and the only news bulletin I really trust, a beacon of light in the current universe of "dumbed-down" journalism where there is so much distortion of the truth. Your unbiased and judicious reporting is especially appreciated at a time such as this, in the midst of this appalling and unjustified war. You must feel the loss of this fine reporter very deeply.
My sympathy to all the news team at Channel 4 and to his family.
Regards
Gearoid Cronin, Dublin
Could you show again the time when Gaby Rado took us to his 'home' in Hungary, sometime after the Wall fell. We still remember it was so touching, perhaps
as it reminded one of us of our remaining inability to go home.
We shall miss Gaby.
Neil Barton
I've just been told that Gaby Rado has been found dead and I'd like to send my deepest condolences to his family and everyone at Channel 4 News. What a dreadful tragedy it is to loose such a courageous, eloquent and careful correspondent. With all the complexities of the crisis in Iraq it is just these qualities that we, your viewers, have taken for granted from him. They are rare and precious. I never heard a report in which he condescended to the viewer, we valued his respect for us. What a loss. I am so sorry.
With best wishes and a heavy heart,
Lucy Neville
I was devastated to hear of Gaby's death. He was one of the ablest and one of the nicest reporters you could hope to meet or to work with. Gaby made many fine pieces of TV journalism from trouble spots and crises all over Europe and the world. His pieces were always thoughtful and often truly original. He had a huge knowledge but never paraded it. I very much enjoyed working with him and knowing him at Channel 4 News.
The Channel 4 News team, their viewers and ITN will surely all miss him.
With deepest sympathy to his family,friends and colleagues.
Sara Nathan
former Editor Channel 4 News
A good bloke.
Graham Hopkins
I was very shocked and saddened to hear the news of Gaby Rado’s death this morning. Gaby’s news reporting for Channel 4 always had his own personal slant of being unbiased and showing compassion for the people, without being patronising towards them.
He is going to be sadly missed and I would hope that Channel 4 News put on a special programme about him. He was someone that I always wished I had known better and I’m sure that we would have shared many views, yet argued vehemously about others. I know he must have been a man who felt passionately about the job he was doing.
Angela Madeley (Ms)
Manchester, UK
We just wanted to say how sad we are to hear of Gaby Rado's death. Although we have been living in Slovenia for the past six months, we still remember clearly his competent reporting and his voice, always giving the feeling that here was someone you could trust, who was telling the truth. He was always in the centre of the action, and we have often said since we moved here how much we miss the reporting of the Channel 4 news team, especially Jon Snow and Gaby Rado. No other news reporting comes close. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues, and please believe he will be sadly missed in this particular corner of the world.
Justi Carey
Roy Clark
The news of the death of Gaby Rado was deeply shocking. My sympathies are with his family and all of the Channel 4 news team.
A viewer.
Donald McDonald
Gaby Rado was a good friend and talented colleague with whom IWPR had the pleasure to collaborate on many stories over the years. We always admired his commitment and skill, and his detailed understanding of the stories he covered. He had a generosity of spirit not common enough in a competitive profession. We will miss him very much. Our condolences to his family, as well as to all the ITN/Channel 4.
Anthony Borden
Executive Director
Institute for War & Peace Reporting
Dear channel 4 news.
I was very upset to hear of Gaby Rado's death. He was a superb reporter; objective, honest and thoughtful. I offer sincere condolences to his family& his colleagues at ITN. Our community remembers in prayer all those killed and injured in this terrible and unnecessary war every day and we will remember Gaby tonight. May he rest in peace.
In peace
Sister Bernadette Roche RSM
I had to write to say how deeply saddened and shocked I am to learn of the loss of Gaby Rado.
Channel 4 News is the best on British TV, in my opinion, and I watch your broadcasts and receive Snowmail every day. All your team are excellent at what they do, and your war reporting has been of the highest quality, unbiased and constantly seeking to challenge for the truth.
Gaby Rado was a major part of that team. I admired him, as I do the rest of the reporters and presenters, and I wish to send all the News team, his family and friends, my deepest condolences and kindest wishes. Gaby Rado will be remembered with gratitude, respect and affection.
Sincerest thoughts,
Best wishes,
Mags Wheeler
Deep shock at the news.
Mr Rado's contribution to intellectual comment and inspiration analysis, which is a hallmark of 4 News, will be sorely missed.
Matthew Pearce
Swindon
On the occasion of Gaby Rado's death, I would like to send my condolences to his family and the news team at Channel 4. His constant willingness to question the status quo, whether in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Balkans, made him a favourite in our house. His reports will be sadly missed.
With kind regards,
Siobhan Lambert-Hurley
Nottingham
Quite simply a great journalist.
Philip Read, UK
My deepest sympathy at the loss of Gaby Rado.I've always found his desire to get to the heart of the matter whatever the assignment almost unique.
Regards...
Ian Williamson
I want to offer my condolences to you all on the occasion of Gaby Rado's tragic death. I met him a couple of times when I worked in the Balkans and always held him in high regard. He was a brilliant journalist and analyst, arguably the best foreign reporter on British television. He will be deeply missed.
Kind regards
Ben Cohen
Dear all at Channel 4 News,
I am so very sorry to learn of Gaby Rado's death. His reporting was excellent, as C4's always is, but he had something else, a personal charm and intelligence that made his reports something more than 'just' the news. I am so shocked, as you must all be, and just wanted to tell you that your feelings will be shared by many many devotees of C4 news. Perhaps it sounds ridiculous, but I feel personally bereft by his loss.
Yours with great sorrow and sympathy,
Kim Blake
Walkley,
Sheffield
Dear Channel 4 news.
We hope that the news turns out to be incorrect, but if it is true, we would like to express our sympathy and condolences on hearing that Gaby Rado has died in Iraq. We are very, very sorry.
Jan and Bob Mortimer
Just wanted to express my shock and great sadness at the death of Gaby Rado.
His incisive and balanced reporting, particularly in recent weeks will be much missed.
A very great loss indeed.
Please continue the excellent work you have been doing especially that of David Smith and Alex Thomson.
Channel 4 News has been an oasis of reason in a desert of confusion.
Kind Regards,
Claire.
I would like to offer my deepest condolences to everybody associated with your excellent correspondent, Gaby Rado, who lost his life today in this hideous, unnecessary war.
Sincerely,
John Pike
Deeply saddened by news of Gaby Rado's death. Unbeknowns to them, we've developed some sort of personal relationship with the reporters that have been covering the war for us. Our condolences to his family.
Enricke Bouma and Chris Dye
I have just heard on the news that Gaby Rado has died. I am so very sorry to hear this.
I'm almost feeling in a state of shock. I know that war zones are the areas with the most risk to report from, but there is always a hope that the chaos will pass by those you develop an affinity with.
Your reporters are the finest in the UK and it has been inspiring to hear their words which always have the ring of truth to them.
I pray that the rest of your team comes out of this without a scratch.
I won't take anymore of your time.
He will be badly missed.
Take care.
James Michael
I would like to offer my condolences to the family and colleagues of Gaby Rado.
I am sure you are receiving many tributes and messages of sorrow, Gaby's reporting was always of a massively high standard and he will be sorely missed among Channel 4 News viewers.
Barny Fryer
I would just like to say that I am terribly sorry to hear about Gaby Rado's tragic death earlier today. It is a great loss to TV journalism. My thoughts are with his family.
George Flaxman.
In times like this the death of a single individual may be a small part of the overall picture but I think I speak for every viewer of Channel 4 news when I say that Gaby Rado will be sorely missed.
He had a quality so rare in journalists in that he instantly inspired trust and respect and his determination to report the news as he saw it, however vile and shocking it may be, is something all to uncommon yet so valuable in our world.
My deepest sympathies to all who knew him, especially his wives and children.
Mathew Sims, Aberystwyth
I am so very sorry to hear the news. He was someone I very much admired and long wished to emulate. God bless, and please tell all your other correspondents to take the best of care.
Sincerely,
Margot Clark- London.
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