Radio Clyde founder Lord Gordon dies after contracting coronavirus

Lord Jimmy Gordon, STV’s former political editor and Radio Clyde’s founder, has died aged 83 after contracting COVID-19.

He was being treated in Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he lost his battle with the virus yesterday.

In a statement his family said: “Family was very important to Jimmy – of all the roles he had in his life, the one that brought him most pleasure was being ‘Papa’ to his four grandchildren, with whom he was frankly besotted.

“All messages received over the last day have focused on three things – his generosity, his kindness and his enthusiasm for life.

“He was a kind and supportive father, always thinking the best of his children even when there was evidence to the contrary.”

Gordon worked as political editor for STV between 1965 and 1973, before moving on to help set up Radio Clyde.

He remained as the station’s managing director until 1996 when he became chairman of what had grown into Scottish Radio Holdings.

Radio Clyde founder Lord Gordon dies after contracting coronavirus

During this period he received a CBE for his services to Broadcasting and Public Life.

Graham Bryce, Managing Director of Bauer Media Scotland, said: “Everyone at Bauer Media and across the radio industry is sad to hear that Lord Gordon, radio pioneer and founder of Radio Clyde has passed away.

“He was the father of Scottish commercial radio and helped shape the industry UK wide. Radio Clyde became a model which other local radio stations sought to emulate, and his legacy endures to this day.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”