'Standing up for those whose voices often went unheard' -Ashton authors pay tribute to late broadcast legend John Stapleton

An Ashton pair have shared their memories and paid a heartfelt tribute to the late news broadcaster John Stapleton.

The Oldham-born journalist died yesterday (Sunday) morning aged 79, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, which was complicated by pneumonia. 

Authors and historians David and Philip Williams have written countless works about the area's history, entertainment and media scene. 

One of their earlier works was To Market To Market- the story of Ashton Market, with foreword by John Stapleton. 

On the death of Stapleton, they shared: “The death of John Stapleton on Sunday, September 21, marked the end of a remarkable career in journalism and broadcasting, one that spanned decades and touched the lives of many, particularly those in his home town of Oldham.  

Stapleton’s contributions to both local and national journalism were profound, and his legacy will be felt by many who knew him through his work and personal engagements.” 

They explained that Stapleton’s career began in the humble surroundings of local newspapers, a path that would eventually lead him to national fame as a respected broadcaster.  

Born and raised in Oldham, he was educated at Diggle Primary School and Hulme Grammar. His journey into the world of journalism was inspired by his television hero, Mike Parkinson.  

Parkinson, a former local reporter who made it big on Granada’s Scene at 6.30, ignited in Stapleton a passion for journalism.  

From a young age, Stapleton (pictured below) sought to follow in Parkinson’s footsteps, starting with letters to newspapers and visits to their offices, eager to gain experience.  

Despite facing repeated rejection, it was the encouragement of local journalists such as Frank Davies of the Oldham Evening Chronicle that kept Stapleton on his chosen path.  

Davies not only nurtured his enthusiasm but also gave him the opportunity to contribute articles to the paper while still in school.  

This early experience, coupled with his eventual role at the Eccles and Patricroft Journal, cemented Stapleton’s lifelong love for reporting.  

From these early days, Stapleton’s commitment to the core values of journalism, truth, integrity, and a deep respect for the local community, would continue to define his work.  

His first full-time job on the Eccles and Patricroft Journal under the tutelage of the formidable chief reporter Cyril Jones taught him the value of hard work and precision.  

David and Philip said: “As Stapleton often recalled, Jones’s no-nonsense attitude left a lasting impression.  

“It was through such experiences that Stapleton honed his skills and came to understand the importance of local newspapers in serving their communities.  

“Stapleton’s career was not confined to the newsroom. His transition to television saw him become one of the most recognisable faces on the small screen, hosting news and magazine shows.  

“His experience in the local press proved invaluable in shaping his broadcasting career, and he never lost sight of the important role that journalism played in society. 

“John Stapleton’s connection to his roots in Oldham and Tameside was unwavering. As a journalist, he remained committed to telling the stories of ordinary people and standing up for those whose voices often went unheard.  

“His work resonated with the values of local journalism, giving people a platform, holding power to account, and preserving the heritage of the community.  

“His interest in local history was particularly evident in 2011 when he presented a series for BBC Radio Manchester.” 

These hour-long programmes celebrated the history and heritage of Greater Manchester.  

The episode of April 7 focused on Oldham, while that of April 13 featured Tameside, reflecting Stapleton’s enduring pride in the region where he grew up.  

In 2014, he returned to Oldham to film a segment for ITV’s Good Morning Britain. The piece revisited his first summer job in 1962 when, as a 16-year-old pupil at Oldham Hulme Grammar School, he had worked with Saddleworth Urban District Council repairing roads and running errands.  

Reliving that experience for the cameras decades later reminded viewers of his ability to connect with the lives of ordinary working people.  

David and Philip explained: “He also lent his support to the preservation of local newspaper history.  

“When we were working on our book A Backdoor to Fleet Street: A History of the Newspapers of Ashton-under-Lyne, Stapleton not only offered advice and encouragement but also wrote the foreword.  

“In it he reflected on his own journey in journalism and the importance of local newspapers in shaping his career.  

“His words in that foreword stand as a testament to his love for reporting: “Being a reporter became almost my entire reason for being. I wanted to be first into the office and on the biggest story every day.  

“I became ecstatic about seeing my words in print, furious when the subs changed or cut them. It was like a drug that kept me on a constant high.”

The pair added: “His involvement with the book was one of many ways he supported efforts to celebrate the history and significance of newspapers in the area.  

“Several years later, Stapleton contacted us again to request an updated copy of another of our local history works, To Market, To Market: The Story of Ashton-under-Lyne’s Ancient Market.  

“His enthusiasm for such projects showed how deeply he valued the communities that shaped him.  

“John Stapleton’s legacy is not just in the stories he told, but in the countless journalists he mentored along the way.  

“His career exemplified the values of curiosity, hard work, and integrity. He believed in the power of the written word to effect change, and he held a deep appreciation for the role that local newspapers played in holding power to account and documenting the everyday lives of the people in his community.  

“In the many years that he worked in journalism, Stapleton inspired a generation of reporters who looked to him as a model of professionalism and dedication.  

“He also remained a champion of local journalism, always reminding people of the vital role that local papers play in telling the stories that matter most.  

“His warmth, generosity, and willingness to help others were qualities that endeared him to many.  

“Those who worked with him and learned from him will remember his sharp intellect, his passion for the craft of journalism, and, above all, his kindness. 

“As we reflect on the life of John Stapleton, we honour not just a journalist and broadcaster, but a man who deeply cared about his roots in Oldham and Tameside, and who made a lasting impact on the world of journalism.  

“His contributions to local history, his role in the development of young journalists, and his dedication to his craft will be missed but never forgotten. 

“May he rest in peace.”