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Gateway > Ariel > The Paper 020 800 84227
The shock of losing Kari Blackburn The death of the former leader in the Africa service at Bush House came as a shock to her colleagues who remember her with pride and warmth
Tributes have come to Ariel from stunned colleagues following the death of Kari Blackburn, director of international operations at the World Service Trust.
Her body was found floating in the sea near her home in Felixstowe, Suffolk. She was airlifted to the same hospital where her husband Tom Boto works as a gynaecologist but she could not be saved.
She was described as a caring and inspirational manager who was devoted to Tom and their children Kassalina, Jonah and Tony.
Kari joined the BBC as a news trainee in 1977, and worked for many years in the Africa service, recently as regional executive editor in the Africa and Middle East regions. She was due to take retirement this week, a move which friends say she had resisted and was not looking forward to.
Mark Thompson called her sudden death ‘shocking’, and World Service director Nigel Chapman described her as ‘an outstanding journalist, broadcaster, editor and manager’ whose popularity and kindness were ‘legendary’.
A book of condolences is open near reception in centre block, Bush House.
Kari was one of the most popular and respected leaders in the World Service. Her direct charm, frank humility, and affectionate attention to all around her embodied, to many, the values of the World Service and its internal culture. She was never one to boast a success, always one to share it. Her accomplishments included change-making, staff development and huge audience increases in Africa, with special emphasis on East Africa. Kari could be found at Heathrow overnight, ensuring that a female Somali journalist and two children could get through immigration after an 18-month battle by Kari for their visas. She would spread the net for advice and help for a Nigerian producer struck with breast cancer and a long way from home. The list of care is a long one and meant that many people across World Service, BBC bureaux in Africa, and in news and current affairs saw her as a personal and responsive friend. Barry Langridge, former head of region, Africa and Middle East
‘You can’t eat the orange and throw the peel away – a man is not a piece of fruit.’ Death of a Salesman
I first came across Kari in Malawi in the early 80s when she was on a duty trip for the African service – with her new baby in tow. I marvelled at how someone could combine a heavy schedule of recording interviews with caring for her daughter. But Kari’s family was the rock of her working life, and she was so proud of them.
Kari was always so positive, so friendly, and supportive – an inspirational manager who generously and unstintingly brought out the best in those around her. Her commitment, enthusiasm and dedication to the World Service, its original values and place in the world were infectious, and she didn’t strike anyone who knew her as someone who would give up the work she loved a day before she had to. Ruth Evans, independent producer and former colleague
I am in this job because of Kari. She spotted the vacancy and knew I should go for it. She was that kind of boss. Kari knew the names of your children, your difficult commute, your relative’s illness, but more, she knew your potential. I am just one of many people that Kari held in mind, even when she was busy, restructuring whole departments, travelling widely or getting up at 3am to make sure she could give her own programme feedback on the 24 hour operation that is the World Service. As she sat in my office in Nairobi last month, where she attended the BBC Africa radio awards, I couldn’t believe the turn of events. Here I was in a job she had helped to prepare me for and there she was in a deeply upsetting situation in her current post. She resolved to return and negotiate as best she could – but the BBC’s response was to seek her resignation signature and start organising a retirement party. The BBC needs managers like Kari. She was worth more than the difficulties of her last eight months. The personal sacrifice that women make to reach high positions should not go unrecognised. She is all our loss. Alice Martin, head of unit, BBC monitoring, Kenya
I’ve known Kari since we were young producers together in the African service. Recently we had been working in different parts of the BBC, but not long ago she intervened decisively in my life. I had thought of setting myself up in Mauritius as a correspondent after retirement – very warm, very quiet. Most of my colleagues laughed, but Kari said, ‘You would be bored silly – what you ought to do is go to Addis Ababa.’ And so I did, and I have Kari to thank for my new life. I just can’t believe she is gone. Elizabeth Blunt, correspondent, Addis Ababa
I first got to know Kari in the 80s when we worked together on the World Service’s weekly Development programme. She was a tremendous producer – passionate and knowledgeable about international development, and full of integrity about the way we responded to listeners’ concerns and ideas. We became good friends – and you couldn’t get to know Kari without realising how hugely important her family was to her. My heart goes out to Tom and the children. Wendy Jones, exec, learning
I couldn’t believe my ears while hearing about the passing away of Kari Blackburn. It is a big loss for the BBC indeed. May she rest in peace. Idy Baraou, reporter, Niger
There are those who run the show. And those, modest and clever, that remain backstage. It is largely thanks to them that the show is smooth and good. Kari Blackburn, our former Africa and Middle East editor, was one of them. She was particularly supportive to us in the Congo. We will miss her. Arnaud Zajtman, correspondent, DR Congo
Kari Blackburn was indeed a friend of Africa. During my time at the BBC, especially at Bush House, she was always a bright and cheerful presence. Kari was a manager with a human face, who consulted and included her staff and colleagues. She always had a kind word for everyone. She will be much missed. Ofeibea Quist-Arcton, former BBC West Africa correspondent
Beloved Kari, you were the genuine article. You respected Africa and her people, so full of humanity. You were not only interested in promoting our talents but also in us as human beings. If you wonder why so many of us are so shocked and saddened by your untimely death, it is simply because you were an advocate for Africa even in a sometimes hostile environment. Some of us saw it at first hand. What a beautiful life cut short so tragically. Thanks for caring. Rest in peace. Josephine Onike Hazeley, deputy editor, Focus on Africa
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