What I learnt from Austin Hunter

He showed me by example that being a television reporter is NOT about doing the piece to camera – it is about directing the crew.

And using politeness to move your crew through the treacle that gets between you and the story.

Austin was from the proddy side of the fence, but during his time at the Beeb he was completely non-partisan and non-sectarian.

Some of his family were in the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Such was his confidence that the word was that he would sometimes get through police cordons by marching through the barriers, saying: “Carry on,” to the officers!

He later moved onto directing communications for the police.

Austin was not blessed with the clearest broadcast delivery, so I was not surprised he moved onto other areas.

But he was such an example to me.

Austin was so smooth.

I can’t believe he has gone. What a tragedy for his family.

Tim Arnold,

Arnold Broadcast, Slough, Berkshire