Former BBC newsreader Richard Baker has died aged 93, his family have said.
Baker introduced the first BBC television news bulletin in 1954 and went on to become a leading news presenter.
His son, journalist Andrew Baker, confirmed the news in a tweet on Saturday.
He wrote: "Sadly my father passed away this morning at the age of 93. Great broadcaster, great dad and grandfather. RIP."
London-born Baker introduced the first BBC TV news bulletin broadcast in July 1954, the BBC reports.
He later presented the Last Night of the Proms and on Radio 2, 3 and 4.
BBC director general Tony Hall was among those to pay tribute to the broadcaster.
He said: “Richard Baker was at the forefront of the creation of the modern news presenter. He was a calm and assured presence who became the face of news for millions.
“Later, he became a great advocate for classical music, presenting many much loved programmes. But more than that, he was quite simply a lovely and charming man. Our sympathies are with his many friends and family.”
Veteran BBC correspondent John Simpson tweeted: “Richard Baker … was one of the finest newsreaders of modern times: highly intelligent, thoughtful, gentle, yet tough in defence of his principles.”
The son of a plasterer, Baker went to grammar school and later attended Cambridge University.
His studies were interrupted by World War Two, during which he served with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.
Following the war, he resumed his educated and joined the BBC in 1950 as a radio presenter.
Social media was flooded with heartfelt tributes to Baker following the news of his death.
ITV New presenter Alastair Stewart said he was "a true gentleman".
He wrote: "A giant. Not a 'journalist, but that wasn't the style in his day. Burnet, Day, Gall et al came along and changed that.
"Richard 'Dickie' Baker was also a master of the arts, especially music about which he wrote beautifully. A true gentleman. #RIP."
BBC presenter Simon McCoy wrote: "Remembering Richard Baker - THE newsreader for a generation of us - and a huge influence on me. #RIP."
