Cliff Michelmore Dead: BBC Broadcaster Who Covered The Apollo Moon Landings And JFK’s Assassination Dies, Aged 96

Veteran BBC broadcaster Cliff Michelmore has died in hospital at the age of 96.

The presenter was a familiar figure on radio and TV since the 1940s thanks to his coverage of events including the Apollo moon landings and the assassination of President John F Kennedy.

As host of the current affairs programme ‘Tonight’ from 1957 to 1965, he was known for his unflappable style and introduced a more informal approach to news presenting.

He often presented while seated on the edge of his desk and among his interviewees were Prince Charles, Prime Minister Harold Wilson and a 17-year-old David Bowie (watch video below).

BBC director general Tony Hall led the tributes, saying he was an "outstanding broadcaster".

He added: “[He was] a national figure at a time when there were just two channels.

"I still remember as a boy watching Cliff Michelmore presenting Tonight live five times a week in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

"He was natural, warm, engaging - he was utterly himself and showed he was one of us. His personal approach recast the role of the TV presenter at the BBC and he was loved by audiences for it."

Later in his career, he went on to present ‘Holiday’ on BBC One and was still broadcasting in his 80s.

His son Guy told the BBC his father died at Petersfield Hospital in Hampshire after being admitted last week.