John Morrell, a journalist who made a major contribution to news and current affairs television, has died, aged 66. He started as a reporter in his native Dewsbury and later worked for the Daily Sketch before switching to a career in TV, working on the BBC's Nationwide, masterminding coverage of the 1979 general election and editing the consumer programme, That's Life.
He also produced the Children In Need programmes and became a trustee of the charity, later becoming a specialist in promoting charities. A convivial man, he once shared a flat with Mike Taylor, former deputy editor of the Daily Mirror, and was noted for hosting great parties. (Via Batley News & Public Service Broadcasting Trust)
