BROADCASTER Errol Thomas Hickey has died after battling cancer.

Hickey, who died at a hospital in Lusaka this morning was born in Salisbury, in pre- independent Zimbabwe, but came to Zambia over 50 years ago.

Most of the iconic early images of an independent Zambia and first president Kenneth Kaunda are attributed to Hickey.

In 1996, Hickey established Zambia’s first independent radio broadcast station in Zambia; Radio Phoenix.

The radio stations talk show; “Let the People Talk”, became one of the most popular political phone-in programs and it still airs to this day.

Over the years, veteran journalists like Frank Mutubila, Anthony Mukwita, Kenneth Maduma, Sam Sakala and John Chola anchored the programme.

Like the mythical Phoenix bird which rose from its ashes, Radio Phoenix was twice engulfed in fires, but it was resurrected to continue broadcasting.

He had given up control of Radio Phoenix two years ago when his health started failing and some private investors from Botswana bought shares in the radio station.

Hickey also owned a lodge and an events and management company.

A few years ago, Hickey lost his wife, Ursula to cancer.

DSTV’s Zambezi Magic was the last TV station to document his life and his profile shall be aired in May.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.