I'd like to say a few words in memory of Bob Atkins, my Journalism tutor at Cardiff University, who sadly died suddenly but peacefully this week.

Bob was a true legend in his field - with a CV that includes some of the most important TV and radio programmes of our time. He worked on That's Life for BBC TV, and PM and The World At One for BBC Radio 4. He was an Executive Producer at the BBC World Service, and Editor of BBC Radio Wales.

But the reason I knew Bob is because he dedicated the last fifteen years of his life to teaching the Broadcast Journalists of the future at Cardiff University's School of Journalism. He helped me - and half the industry - learn the trade, and find a job in one of the most competitive professions around. And he did so with the greatest wisdom, intelligence and passion.

The thing I'll always remember Bob for is his complete and utter intolerance of mediocrity - in the best possible sense. Never one to mince his words, it was Bob's frank criticism of my early efforts that made me employable. But Bob's harsh words never made myself - or anyone else who knew him - love him or respect him any less. We always knew he was doing it to bring out the best in us - and we could always rely on him for all the support and reassurance we needed.

The fact is, Bob, you never fooled any of us for one minute. We all knew you were a warm, kind and wonderful person, and we love you for it.