{
  "id": 87782,
  "title": "Newspaper columnist and broadcaster Rod Liddle dies aged 66",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/newspaper-columnist-and-broadcaster-rod-liddle-dies-aged-66",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-03T13:35:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC News",
    "slug": "bbc-news",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly59lwe93po?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rod Liddle, a renowned newspaper columnist and broadcaster, passed away at the age of 66 due to a brief illness. His children, Wilder, Tyler, and Emmy, expressed their deep sorrow over his sudden passing. They remembered him as their guide to living an extraordinary life, emphasizing his teachings of curiosity, bravery, and humor. The CEO of News UK, Rebekah Brooks, described Liddle as an \"inimitable journalistic force\" who challenged conventional thinking and left an indelible mark on British journalism. Brooks conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the Liddle family and News UK colleagues.\n\nLiddle had a long-standing career as a columnist for the Sun and the Sunday Times, as well as a weekly columnist in the Spectator and a show on Times Radio. He was previously an editor for BBC Radio 4's flagship Today programme. His children shared that he raised them to be inquisitive, brave, and humorous, even maintaining his demeanor in the hospital during his final weeks. Brooks highlighted Liddle's brilliance, provocation, and remarkable talent that graced news pages and airwaves for decades. She also noted his wit and uncompromising voice.\n\nDespite often causing controversy, Liddle was recognized for his unique writing style, entertaining columns, and fearlessness in tackling sensitive topics. His colleagues and friends praised his exceptional intellect, razor-sharp wit, and immense talent. His legacy is remembered for his humor, intelligence, and the warmth he brought to The Sun's floor and the office.",
  "summary": "The columnist died in hospital in Middlsbrough on Sunday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Rod Liddle, 66, dies from brief illness",
    "Children remember him as guide to extraordinary life",
    "Brooks calls Liddle \"inimitable journalistic force\""
  ],
  "editors_take": "Rod Liddle's death leaves a void in British journalism, where his distinctive voice and unflinching approach had become a hallmark of his decades-long career as a columnist and broadcaster.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}