A broadcaster and journalist from Harpenden has died at the age of 58, following a battle with cancer.

The presenter of Radio 4's Media Show, Steve Hewlett, died yesterday morning in the company of his family, while listening to Bob Marley at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital.

The Harpenden Rugby Club member had documented the impact of the disease in a series of candid radio interviews and newspaper articles.

He was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in March last year, and spoke openly about the disease with Eddie Mair on Radio 4 and in a diary published in the Observer.

A fortnight ago, he told Mair that he had married his partner Rachel in hospital and that he had stopped his treatment, after being told he only had weeks to live.

In a statement, Hewlett's family said: "Over the last year, we have been overwhelmed by the support of friends, colleagues and Radio 4 listeners.

"The messages helped Steve enormously, especially over the last few months. The Royal Marsden have been amazing throughout the journey and we are indebted to all the wonderful staff there.

"We'd like to thank Eddie and all the PM listeners, and if people are still keen to help, then we'd like all donations to go towards the brilliant care the Marsden provide."

Lord Hall, the BBC's Director-General, paid tribute, describing Hewlett as an "exceptional journalist".

He said: "His analysis of the media industry was always essential listening. Steve was a trusted voice that embodied everything positive in public service journalism. He was hugely popular not just with viewers and listeners, but with BBC staff.

"When I saw him last week, I told him how much I have admired his brave interviews with Eddie Mair about his treatment which he did with a candour and sense of inquiry that was typically Steve.

"Our thoughts are with his family and many friends."

Radio 4 Controller Gwyneth Williams said that he "will be much missed as an outstanding journalist".

She added: "He was rational and informed, hard-nosed and witty, never taking himself too seriously but unpicking the stories he covered with great seriousness.

"We will certainly miss his weekly presence on Radio 4, and I will miss him personally as a longstanding colleague from the days when we worked together in News. We send our deepest sympathy to his family."