Donald J MacDonald: Tributes to STV North editor after sudden death

It is with great sadness that we have to confirm the death of our dear colleague, Donald John MacDonald.

Donald passed away suddenly on Christmas Eve in the company of his loving family.

Donald, 60, was the proud leader of our colleagues in the STV North news team and a wonderful friend and a brilliant journalist.

Donald joined Grampian Television as a reporter in 1984, serving the largest geographical territory in the Channel Three Network with a deep understanding of the importance of regional news and representation.

As Editor, STV North, Donald proudly ensured the voice of the audience of STV North was portrayed and represented.

Simon Pitts, CEO, STV, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of such a wonderful friend and colleague. Donald was warm, funny, charismatic and a brilliant journalist.

“Only last week we confirmed his promotion to an expanded role within the STV News management team, mentoring talent from across the newsroom, something Donald was passionate about and excited to progress in the new year.

“I am enormously grateful to him for his leadership, his wise counsel and the hugely talented team he leaves behind. He will be sorely missed by us all.”

Bobby Hain, Managing Director, Broadcast, STV, said: “I have known Donald personally for almost 40 years and we have worked together for the past 20 years as he has been at the editorial helm of STV North.

“His passion for journalism and dedication to serving STV’s audiences in the north of Scotland were only matched by his wry humour and wit and he will be greatly missed by all of our colleagues.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Donald “was a true media pro, but more so a wonderful human being”.

She tweeted: “He is such a loss. My thoughts with his loved ones.”

This is awful news. DJ was a true media pro, but more so a wonderful human being. @JamieKinlochan is right – in so many ways, he kickstarted the campaign for Scotland to do the right thing by our care experienced young people. He is such a loss. My thoughts with his loved ones. https://t.co/zOwTS0qJaK
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 24, 2020