Book of Remembrance

I worked with Tim when he was Chairman of Classic Gold Digital and I was the CEO. He provided a source of wise council for me and I enjoyed his company immensely. He will be sadly missed by many.

Sad news to hear that Tim Blackmore has passed away. Condolences to his wife and children. R.I.P.x

So sad to hear you passed. Sending love and condolences to your family and friends.

You were an absolute inspiration. A positive, major influence in our industry and so creative. You leave behind an incredible legacy and a gaping hole which will be very hard to fill.

Rest well, Tim

Tim.
You were simply one of the most impressive people I’ve known in my life. Always calm, thoughtful, perceptive, fun and endlessly creative. You gave so much to the world and we are all poorer without you. R.I.P.

Thank you Tim. Your life in radio really mattered to all who worked with you. You were always positif and full of ideas. Also you made my career by allowing me to learn so much.

I was a very green seventeen year old when I met Tim. He was running FRANKS a Saturday night basement disco night at the Bickley Arms pub in Chislehurst. He accepted me as the warm-up DJ, later offering a job in the Capital Radio record library should I decide for that as the start of a career path. I opted instead to go to College – Tim sold me some spare disco lights (I ran the college disco) and he introduced me to a couple of people at Radio 210 who gave me my first broadcast experience. Although, we weren’t in touch beyond that ( I saw him a couple of times through the glass at Unique) he provided me with some excellent words of advice when needed most. Over four decades on, I’ve never forgotten his encouragement and enthusiasm. The news of his death has saddened me.

Tim Blackmore was not just a great radio figure, he was also kind and generous. His work on The Story of Pop for Radio 1, plus his time at Capital and Unique, assure his place at the very top of the broadcasting pantheon.
But I’ll always remember his kindness and generosity to those around him, whatever their status, fame or lack of it.
He was a gentleman at all times.
Sincere condolences to Margaret and the family.

For many years, my and Jez Nelson’s company Somethin’ Else, was in competition with Tim and Simon’s at Unique in a fledgling audio production industry. Their great success pushed us to achieve more and I’m sure vice versa. And yet, despite being competitors, Tim was always humble in victory, gracious in defeat and a true gentleman to meet and talk with. I always found him to be warm, welcoming and encouraging of our success – seeing it as victory for the independent production sector which he had led on creating, rather than a shot aimed at Unique. He had the quality of being a true statesman of the industry and always deserved all the accolades and recognition he received. With the kindest of wishes to his loved ones and those closest to him – you can be proud of the standing he achieved in British audio.

Such sad news. Tim has been a true radio pioneer and inspiration for decades.
In the 1980’s – spearheaded by Felicity Wells (IBA/AIRC) the Independent Local Radio Programme Sharing Scheme was established. Tim & myself (although at competing stations) worked together to help share excellent drama, documentaries, music, features and current affairs between Independent Local Radio stations struggling to meet their commitments for speech radio. The 1990 Broadcasting Act brought this period to an end.
Rest in peace Tim.

The Gentle Giant of radio. Many have used the words ‘wise’ and ‘generous’ in their tributes to Tim and they are extremely apt for a brilliant man who we have lost all too soon.
As a student working on University Radio York I was in awe of the Story of Pop. It was one of those programmes that set the standard for music documentaries. It was the sort of programme that made you think ‘gosh I wish I could have made that’. It was one of the programmes that made me want to work in radio.
Later when at the BBC I was lucky enough to fall under Tim’s chairmanship for the Sony Awards. He was brilliant. The best chair I have ever worked under. What could have been a very divisive and bitter group was the exact opposite because he led it with ease, charm and unfailing good humour. I remember the first meeting we had after one infamous year where an excess of alcohol on the evening had led to a particularly rowdy ceremony. The evening had delighted some – if they could remember it – and had horrified others – to the extent of there being talk of boycotts. Tim brought it back under control for the following year with a lot of sweet talking, persuading some of the the pre-event booze buses that their journey wasn’t necessary and by ensuring there was a lot of alcohol-soaking bread early on the dinner menu.
He was always gently reminding us of the bigger picture for and what was going to be good for the industry as a whole. He was so good at it. He was a true master of the ceremony.

Tim was an inspiration to me in my radio Career I found his wise counsel large. A kind man who encouraged young talent and who I cared for profoundly. I’m weepy tonight in Switzerland.

I haven’t met many people in this industry whose name, when mentioned, is universally acknowledged with warmth and respect. Tim is right at at the top of that list. I am thankful that he was always there to offer me and others (at Smooth Operations /Unique /7digital) guidance over the years, when needed. His kindness will not be forgotten. I am so sorry to Tim’s family for their loss.