Paddy Coulter at the 40th anniversary of the Journalist Fellowship Programme.
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The Reuters Institute is sad to hear friend and colleague Paddy Coulter has died
Paddy led our fellowship programme for six years and devoted his career to advancing the interests of journalists worldwide
We are saddened to learn of the death of our friend and former colleague Paddy Coulter. As Director of Studies who led our Journalism Programme from 2001 to 2007, Paddy was much loved by our Journalist Fellows who had the opportunity to benefit from his wisdom, warmth and humanity during their time in Oxford. He was a dear colleague who continued to be part of the Reuters Institute family long after he finished formally working with us. Many alumni were happy to see him at the 40th anniversary of the fellowship programme in September 2023 doing what he did best – bringing smiles to people’s faces, telling funny stories and entertaining others with his banjo.
Paddy was an accomplished journalist who gave his life to advancing the interests of journalism and journalists worldwide as well as broader human rights causes. He was an award-winning television producer who was Director of the International Broadcasting Trust prior to joining the Institute. He was a trustee for several humanitarian organisations including Oxfam, the UK Committee of UNICEF and Comic Relief, and he was chair of press freedom organisation ARTICLE 19.
His death is a huge loss to the entire Reuters Institute community and our thoughts are with his family.
Jenny Darnley worked closely with Paddy as the programme administrator for the fellowship programme. She said: “Everyone who knew Paddy will remember his joyful conviviality as Director of the Fellowship and as host at Norham Gardens. Together, we welcomed over 140 Fellows to 13 Norham Gardens and tried to keep its inheritance as a welcoming home for brilliant journalists from all over the world to study and socialise. Paddy’s capacity for friendship was such that many of these connections lasted long after he stepped back from the Institute. He will be much mourned.”
Our Acting Director and Director of Journalist Programmes Mitali Mukherjee said: “Paddy was a ‘people person’ in the truest sense of the term. His incredible ability to not just connect people but to go the extra mile and find common points of interest between them is what made him so well-loved by the journalist fellows community at RISJ and by the wider community. It is a sad day for the Institute as we mourn the loss of a treasured former colleague and constant ally.”
Our former Director of the Reuters Institute David Levy said: “It’s incredibly sad for all who knew him; Paddy was such a force for life and with so many friends and connections in the UK and across the globe I find it hard to imagine a world without him.”
Another former Director Rasmus Nielsen said: “Paddy was such a wonderful and warm presence, and a constant in a constantly revolving set of people around the Institute in Oxford. Very sad to hear of his passing."
Tributes from around the world
Since hearing of Paddy's death, tributes have poured in from former Journalist Fellows and others around the world.
I always remember Paddy’s smile, jolly talk and the passion for journalism, that made my Oxford time so special. He was very good at communicating with various journalists from around the world; respecting for different cultures while telling us “Oxford ways” so that we could enjoy the life there fully. In the days with pressure to write up our research project paper, we hit his local on the North Parade and also enjoyed traditional events, such as one in the May Day (Paddy was smilingly telling us he couldn’t tell why they dance while waving a white cloth.) Thanks to him, my experience in Oxford became valuable and unforgettable not only for my career as a journalist but for my life. Paddy was full of life. It is difficult to believe I won’t be able to see him in Oxford and to hear his cheerful “Yoko!” with a big smile. I wanted to talk with him more — in this unstable world — about journalism. Paddy, thank you, you are always my mentor and friend. I was happy to see you. RIP
Yoko Hani (Japan 2005-06 Reuters fellow)
When I arrived at 13 Norham Gardens in 2001 as the American Fellow, I had left a lower Manhattan that was still on fire. It was only days after 9/11, and as I entered the newly refurbished mansion, waiting there was a smiling, jovial man with a warm welcome. Time has taken away the exact words upon the greeting, but I do recall Paddy's foreshadow. “We have a lot to talk about.” What followed were weeks of some of the most vibrant, exciting times of my life, leaving me with enduring friendships and indelible memories — and always at the helm, guiding and stoking it all, was Paddy. To be sure, my time with Paddy at Oxford, and the few times we had in-person meet-ups over the years, were always encounters spilling with raucous debate and playful goading. Often lubricated by a pint, or a few, to boot. I cherished every moment. Paddy led with his innate friendship, respect, enthusiasm, laughter, curiosity, heart and an unspoken promise to leave the moment better than when we started. I can honestly say I've taken his example with me since those days in Fall 2001. And I thank him for it.
Jim Moscou, 2001 Journalist Fellow, USA
Paddy was the heart and soul of the Reuters Institute for Journalism during my time at Norham Gardens - he and Jenny Darnley pulled together incredible seminars, dinners, excursions, and special guest visits. He was a gracious host, an insightful program director, a generous person. It was so evident that he revelled in being surrounded by passionate journalists from around the world. His personality and charm absolutely added to the fellowship experience. He and Jenny pulled out all the stops to ensure we all got the most out of our visit. I loved receiving his annual newsletter which was filled with witty observations, and updates on his work, and how Angela and the family were doing. A fine Irishman. A fine journalist. A fine friend.
Karen Percy, Australia, Trinity Term 2006
"Paddy kept the flame alive in journalists. He saw the spark in journalists and ignited passion, encouraging deeper questioning of the world and determination combined with humility. His impact is immeasurable, he took so many careers to the next level or in a new exciting direction. Paddy Coulter, with Jenny Darnley ran an extraordinary and compelling programme. matching journalists with Oxford's great thinkers and creating an environment and opportunities where none of us wanted to leave. Thank you Paddy and to his family, my gratitude and deepest sympathy."
Philippa McDonald, Trinity term, 2005, Sydney, Australia
My most important memory is He was saying we have to be able to talk on any subject with anyone.
Marta Koblańska, Hilary Term 2003, Poland
How sad this is! It’s devastating news, especially since Paddy seemed to be such a vibrant and active person. I first met him at the showcase presentation for the first cohort of my term. He immediately recognized that I was from Poland and that I could offer some insights on press freedom in my country, and deepen the knowledge that he demonstrated. So we spoke for about half an hour. After that, he continued to nurture our connection, inviting me to lunch, to a Frontline Club session in London, and we bumped into each other a few times at lectures and even at the pub. What I truly appreciated, though, was his invitation to his home near Oxford when my family was visiting. We spent a wonderful day driving through the Cotswolds, and later, we had a delightful evening at his house, sipping beer and coffee while chatting with him and his wife, Angela. He asked thoughtful questions and showed a sincere interest in others. I had hoped to meet him again one day...
Patrycja Maciejewicz 2023-24
Starting my scholarship at Norham Gardens, I still remember my first welcome from Paddy, standing in his office, as he explained the wonderful resources and possibilities we would have during the next months in research, talks and meetings with interesting people. I not only learned from him how to get in contact with just the right scholar for my research project - but also how to navigate those formal Oxford dinners at Green and other colleges. Oxford will for me always be firmly connected to Paddy’s enthusiasm, his positivity and his ability to connect the most different people in meaningful conversation - and have a lot of fun at the same time. Fortunately, we stayed in contact also after my fellowship and met every so often - he even managed to grant a friend’s wish and whisked her into the Reuter fellowship’s anniversary lecture of Alan Rusbridger without an invitation. That definitely made her day if not even her year! My sincere condolences go to his family whom he always talked of with great warmth and love. He will be missed.
Cornelia Fuchs (Germany), Michaelmas Term 2004/2005
We both feel sadness and sorrow about this very unwanted news. Paddy Coulter was the best thing for us about the UK. We were happy to stay in contact long after our study term in Oxford in 2002 and 2004. The last time we met him was in July 2013, at his home celebrating his birthday. He was a kind of a person that reshapes and transforms the lives of people he is meeting. We will remember him forever, in the literal sense of this word.
Petr Vlasov and Olga Vlasova (Russia)
This is so sad. Learning this has – of course – rekindled every loving memory of him, including last year's reunion in Oxford. I've met very few people in journalism circles who had his combination of wisdom, leadership ability, deep experience, commitment, and here comes the clincher: Joy. Journalism breeds cynicism. Paddy was an antidote to that. He was an antidote to so much. So glad we got a chance to know him and be touched and influenced by his gift of gab and everything else. ❤️
Jonathan Curiel (US), 2005-2006
I was deeply saddened by the news of Paddy’s passing. He was such a huge part of my Oxford experience, always ready to go the extra mile for the Fellows, always ready for a good laugh. Thanks for everything Paddy!
Barbara Peranić, class of 2006-07
It is heartbreaking to hear about Paddy's passing. He was a wonderful director and I was impressed by his kindness, passion, and sense of humour. We had a great time not only at the Institute but also at Rose and Crown and his beautiful house with his family. I have been always grateful for what he has done for us, which has changed the course of my journalistic career. When I was a fellow, 2006-07, he encouraged me to translate the great journalism book The Elements of Journalism into Japanese, and finally, I achieved it this year—but today, I realise that I missed the opportunity to let him know forever. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, my thoughts are with his family and everyone affected by this loss.
Yasu Sawa (Japan), a fellow of 2006-07
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Paddy. It's hard to find the right words in such a moment, but I wanted to take a moment to share some memories of him that have stayed with me. Whenever I think back to my time at the Reuters Institute, I can still see Paddy playing his guitar and singing on the Institute's lawn. As a journalist in Vietnam, the work can often feel overwhelming, but Paddy showed me how to approach life with more lightness and joy. I’ll hold onto the lighthearted comments he shared on my Facebook as a lasting reminder of the warmth and laughter he brought into my life. I am truly grateful for the moments we shared. He will be deeply missed. With heartfelt condolences,
Tran Le Thuy (Vietnam), 2008-2011
Paddy was an inspiring and energetic leader in the field. He was most kind and welcoming to me on my visits to the RISJ after my Reuter Foundation Medical Journalism Fellowship in 1997, particularly in 2013 during my visiting fellowship at RISJ. My condolences to his family and to his friends including of course Jenny Darnley and colleagues at RISJ.
Catriona Bonfiglioli
I knew Paddy when I had my fellowship in 2006-07, Paddy is a knowledgeable, humorous, and kind friend. During the nine months I spent in Oxford, he showed us around with warmth and care. He was always there for us, just like a family. I will miss him forever.
Sen Li, China, 2006-07 fellow
Edwin Okoth (Kenya), 2015-2016
I have fond memories of working with Paddy, his cheeky nature, and performing some songs with him at one of the reunions outside in the garden.
Louise Allcock, former RISJ staff member
It is hard for me to imagine that Paddy Coulter could be gone. Paddy was someone who was always very "present": engaged, ebullient. I always felt that he was taking me into his confidence. I can't be the only person who felt this, a testament to Paddy's way of making every friend feel uniquely special. I met him at a time when he wasn't actually officially involved with the Reuters Institute, in the fall of 2007. We'd communicated via email before then, as I prepared to start a year-long fellowship. He offered advice and support and guidance on how to navigate Oxford. 
In the years that followed, Paddy remained a warm and welcoming presence in Oxford. I'm pretty sure it was Paddy who introduced me to elderflower, at a party at his sun-drenched Eynsham home. (I always keep a bottle of the liqueur on hand now.) I was so happy to see him at the Reuters Institute's anniversary gatherings, where we would pick up where we left off. Paddy always tried his valiant best to raise whatever Irishness was buried in my immigrant soul. Paddy was proof that what makes the institute so special is the people. I took this photo in 2018: Paddy, banjo in hand. I'm grateful to have known him.
In the years that followed, Paddy remained a warm and welcoming presence in Oxford. I'm pretty sure it was Paddy who introduced me to elderflower, at a party at his sun-drenched Eynsham home. (I always keep a bottle of the liqueur on hand now.) I was so happy to see him at the Reuters Institute's anniversary gatherings, where we would pick up where we left off. Paddy always tried his valiant best to raise whatever Irishness was buried in my immigrant soul. Paddy was proof that what makes the institute so special is the people. I took this photo in 2018: Paddy, banjo in hand. I'm grateful to have known him.
John Kelly (USA), 2007-2008 Visiting Fellow
These pictures of lively Paddy reminded me—not only his voice—but the memorable year I spent with the Reuters Institute's family, friends, and colleagues. Best journey, Paddy Coulter!
Kimmo Lundén, Finland, Fellowship 2008-2009
This is a shock. I saw Paddy at a wine-tasting in London on Monday last week. As always, he was in good spirits and full of gossip. My favourite anecdote from Paddy was his golden rule for Oxfam press chiefs (at least back then when he was in charge): "If you can get a mention in the Guardian in the morning that pleases the bosses, you can take the rest of the day off." A wonderful character who was never slack in his humanitarian commitments. At least I got a good last drink and chat with him.
Charlie Beckett (UK)
Deeply saddened to hear of Paddy Coulter's passing, at a time when the world needs everything he embodied: human warmth, unstoppable enthusiasm, a passion for truth, journalism, science, and human rights. He had an almost magical ability to connect people from all over the world, seemingly without effort. Thanks to Paddy, the time in Oxford was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences of my life. Many of us kept in touch and came back to see him over the years. He will be sadly missed, forever in grateful memory.
Niklas Ekdal (Sweden), 2004-05
I last saw Paddy three weeks ago at an event to promote ties between Oxford and the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, held by Reuben College. Paddy was in typically good form: lively, curious, and welcoming. He moderated a panel, and we discussed the war in Ukraine (from where I've been reporting) and its implications for our troubled world order. An important discussion! It took me back to my time in 2006 as a fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. Paddy was the institute's presiding spirit. He was generous, talkative, and a friend to all. Also an internationalist, deeply committed to journalism and its practitioners.
Luke Harding (UK), 2006-2007
Paddy was always a genial and welcoming host at reunions and other fellowship events.
Huw Richards (UK), pre-2006
I will miss him terribly.
Chester Yung (Hong Kong), 2001-2002
