It is with sadness and regret that I write to report the death of Ed Townsend.
Ed died, aged 64, surrounded by his family, at his home in South Wales yesterday.
He had bravely endured the effects of cancer, which was diagnosed late last year.
I have known Ed since we worked together in our early 20s in Liverpool, and we had always kept in touch.
Ed was a fine journalist, who began his career at local papers, worked at Mercury Press Agency and then in local radio before pursuing a distinguished career in corporate communications. He worked for Girobank, Dunlop, British Telecom and then Cardiff City Council. More recently he ran his own PRZ agency “Reach Wales”.
Ed also entered politics and worked tirelessly for the benefit of local communities through the Lib Dems. He was held in high esteem as a councillor in Newport, where he was elected deputy leader of the council.
It was with great gusto that Ed took on the role of establishing Bay TV Swansea and led the team that secured the licence in 2014. The flair and determination that he brought to the task was typical of Ed. Peter Townsend, Chairman of Bay TV Swansea added ‘Ed’s vision and drive to establish a local TV station for the Swansea Bay region have been inspiring. The creation of Bay TV Swansea will be a lasting legacy to Ed.’ It is sad that he has not lived to see the station launch, planned for this summer.
I am honoured and privileged to have counted Ed as a friend. He will be very sorely missed.
Our condolences go to Ed’s wife Carmel and their family.
Details of Ed’s funeral will be circulated when they are finalised.
Yours sincerely
Chris Johnson
LPC Organiser
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