BBC local broadcasting 'legend' dies

Colleagues described Gerry Kersey as a gentleman, both on and off-air

Former BBC Radio Sheffield presenter Gerry Kersey, who became a listeners' favourite during his 50 years in broadcasting, has died.

The 86-year-old, who worked for both the BBC and independent radio, had been ill for some time and died on Friday morning with his wife, Christine, at his side.

Paying tribute, Katrina Bunker, Head of BBC Yorkshire, said: "Gerry was a true legend of local broadcasting, starting his career in 1968 as one of the first voices on BBC Radio Sheffield."

Away from the microphone, he had a talent for performing in theatre and for art. His paintings featured in exhibitions and he raised money for charity by making and selling Christmas cards featuring his work.

In a 2018 interview in the Sheffield Star marking his 50 years in broadcasting, he recalled that in the 1970s he was doing two jobs, handling advertising for local company Stanley Tools and doing radio work.

"It became an alarmingly unbalanced life," he told the newspaper.

But broadcasting eventually won his heart.

"I decided, with my wife's full approval, that although it was only earning £12 a week I would take it on and see what I could do," he said.

It turned out well and Gerry became a listeners' favourite, both for the BBC and on independent station Radio Hallam.

Ms Bunker said: "In later years he was known for request-based and nostalgia shows and he got loads of letters, emails and calls right up to his last show in 2020.

"Wherever you went around the area you would always meet someone who loved Gerry's show.

"Off-mic, Gerry was just as much of a gentleman as he was on it, always encouraging , always warm and proud to still be on the radio after 50 years.

"He will be sadly missed by all who knew him."

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