Avtar Lit – the founder of Sunrise Radio – dies aged 73
Avtar Lit, the founder of Britain’s first full time Asian radio station, Sunrise Radio, has passed away at the age of 73.
The news was shared by his grieving family in a statement that read: “On behalf of the Lit family, it is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of the radio and broadcasting pioneer Dr. Avtar Singh Lit.
“Avtar was a visionary. He created electronic British Asian media with the launch of Sunrise Radio, the first 24-hour independent and greatest commercial Asian radio station in the world. Avtar entered broadcasting to give the British Asian community a voice, which he indisputably achieved and far more.
“We are incredibly proud of his legacy which has given much joy and opportunity to so many. Avtar is survived by his mother, five children, Surjit (51), Tony (50), Bobby (49), Serena (24), and Robbie (19), and his five grandchildren. He was a much-beloved son, father, and grandfather.
“As a family, we kindly request privacy at this difficult time.”
Sunrise Radio was launched in West London in 1989, and quickly became popular within the Asian community. It became available nationally through satellite television shortly after its launch.
The Managing Director of Panjab Radio paid tribute to Lit and said, “Panjab Radio family send their condolences to both the Lit family and Sunrise Radio family, Dr Avtar Lit, a broadcasting pioneer who was responsible for putting South Asian Radio on the air in London.”
Broadcaster and journalist Anila Dhami paid a tribute to the well-respected figure saying, “Sad news. Avtar Lit was a pioneer for Asian media in Britain. When I was starting out, he believed in me and got me training.
“And I went on to host on Sunrise – I think he and I were the only people to ever host a call-in debate show on it.
“My thoughts are with the Lit family.”
