Colin Pemberton, who worked as a reporter with BBC Midlands Today, has been described as “an old school journalist” who had said was always keen to “ask the questions you want answering”
A much-loved BBC journalist who was passionate about “asking the questions you want answering” has died, the corporation said.
Colin Pemberton had a long career in journalism, including decades at the BBC in various roles in radio and television. He will largely be remembered as a news reporter with BBC Midlands Today, covering hard-hitting issues such as the demise of the patch’s coal industry in the 1980s and 1990s, and Birmingham’s gangland shootings.
His BBC colleague, Peter Wilson, said: “‘Pembers’ was an old school journalist, the tools of his trade always a pencil and notebook. He taught many of us the importance of getting the facts right as the colour of any story.
“He was always an enthusiast, passionate about people and issues, shown with the coverage of his stories, such as the demise of the Midland’s coal industry and his fearless reporting of Birmingham’s gangland shootings.”
Colin, who it is understood passed away on Thursday at home, worked for The Hinckley Times and The Leicester Mercury before joining the BBC in the early 1980s. The journalist, who specialised in general news, had said in an interview with the BBC: “Whether it’s down coal mines, flying helicopters, on the streets with the homeless or interviewing the Prime Minister, my job is to be your eyes and ears and to ask the questions you want answering.”
But, according to the same piece, he saw some appalling things, including the aftermath of a pile-up on the M42 in 1997, following which three people died and 60 were hurt. However, one of the lighter moments including being pushed down a hillside in a zorb in around 2006.
Other colleagues also paid tribute to Colin, whose death was confirmed by the BBC on its BBC Birmingham Facebook page on Monday. One man posted: “That really is sad news. I will remember him as one of the BBC’s best regional TV reporters- and always ready for a bit of fun too. Always kind and caring to his interviewees and colleagues alike.”
Another friend posted: “So sad to hear this – he was a lovely man to work with, he always had a cheerful hello for everyone and knew every story inside out.”
Colin, who leaves behind his wife, children and grandchildren, was also described as “a full-on professional and someone always helpful with information” by another friend.
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