Apr 8, 2012
On April 17th 2012, my late friend and former colleague Pete Myers would have been 73 years old. Sadly, this great broadcaster passed away all too soon on December 15th 1998. It still seems like yesterday and partly because the Media Network programme now only exists as a nostalgic collection on the Internet I thought it appropriate to add this documentary tribute I made with Luc Lucas in 1999 shortly after his passing. It is called A Talent to Amuse.
Pete Myers was a regular voice on many editions of Media Network. He made his name at the BBC External Services in Bush House with a programme called Good Morning Africa. He was one of the early presenters on BBC Radio 1 in 1967 and from 1976 onwards one of the regular producers on Radio Netherlands English Service. He was the engine behind many magazine programmes but also excelled at making radio documentaries. As we busy ourselves with Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat I just wanted to put this documentary tribute back on the web for everyone to enjoy.
Here are some of the memories sent in by listeners at the time.
Much of the joy and magic of shortwave radio was ignited by Pete. Mainstream Asia, Asiascan, Happy Station, the specials and a host of other programmes, they all sparked of creativity. That personal touch gave radio sparkle and vitality. It touched many of us here in Asia and rest of the world. His spirit of bringing so much heart and texture to his reports was both a pleasure and inspiration to us. He was more than a voice to me, more than a friend, more than just a broadcaster. Long live the excellence that Pete strived for.
Xavier Gomez, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Not only did he entertain and inform on radio he also kindly wrote me some extremely funny letters. He will be sadly missed.
Michelle Thompson, Australia
Listening in South Africa to the BBC Morning Show in the early seventies, I found Pete Myers an inspirational broadcaster. He ignited my lifelong passion for radio and for Africa. In particular, his programmes opened my eyes to the world north of the Limpopo River which white South Africa tried so hard to ignore in those days. Above all, he enjoyed that rare gift... the genuine ability to communicate with his listeners.
Peter Biles, London, UK
A year ago I returned from serving with the Peace Corps in Romania. One day I discovered Radio Netherlands via shortwave and delightedly, I sent an e-mail to Pete Myers telling him how much I loved R.N. He called me up and interviewed me. Later he sent me a tape of some of his interviews which I played for my classes. The tape exposed my students to stories and sounds the like of which they had never encountered.
Cynthia D. Earman, Washington DC, USA.
All of the troubles I may have had would gently step aside for the duration of Pete's time on the air. I miss him tremendously. He was a reason to get through another week.
Steve Talia, Eugene, Oregon, USA
For how many times, I don't know, I have been amazed at his presentation...December 15th for some unknown reason was missing from the diary and now suddenly you announced that he's gone...I just don't know what all this means!
Cui Litang Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R.China
We lost a golden voice on the radio but his various documentaries will still be fresh in mind for all his numerous fans of the radio.
Alok Das Gupta, Calcutta, India
We needed him. We will always miss him...
Alexandre Mossiava Moscow, Russia
Pete was one the icons during my growing years. I'll miss him.
Kittu Chennai, India -
I always knew that when Pete was on the air, it was going to be something worth listening to.
Mike Conway Merced California, USA
We are all diminished by his passing, but were most uplifted by his work. Pete Myers has left a fine legacy. He will be missed by all of us, including those of us who were privileged to know him via the radio.
John A. Figliozzi Clifton Park, NY, USA
Pete as a broadcaster not only reached the pinnacle that all broadcasters silently wish to reach, but he will live on in the hearts of us who heard him and through the works of people that he inspired. He was the centre of any gathering and the laughter and good cheer that exploded from him. Even in sadness, his voice echoes and the sound of his laughter soothes our wounded hearts.
Victor Goonetilleke, Piliyandala, Sri Lanka
As someone who worked with Pete, I know how touched he would be to read these heartfelt messages from listeners around the world. Their wonderful sentiments are, of course, nothing less than the man deserves. He was a magnificent broadcaster. That rich deep voice of his so enveloping and warming. I am honoured to have known him, better for having learned from him, and proud that he was my friend.
Mike Bullen, former RN producer, writer of the award-winning TV series "Cold Feet", now resident in Australia.
Pete was my mentor and teacher at Radio Netherlands and the closest to a father I've ever had. 13 years after his death, I am still thinking of him, and stumbled upon this blog. Astonishing to read all these tributes to him so many years after he died, but nothing less than he deserved. Pete was unique and I'm so happy to have known him from up close for a decade. The comments here are just another confirmation of the love he inspired in his friends and listeners.