Colin Chapman: Former BBC and New York Times journalist and broadcaster dies aged 87 as tributes pour in
Renowned journalist and broadcaster Colin Chapman has died at the age of 87.
The UK-born veteran journalist worked at the BBC, The Times, The New York Times and the Financial Times among others. Chapman was allegedly suffering from health issues for many years, passing away over the weekend.
His death was confirmed by the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), who said in a statement: “Colin Chapman, former Australian Outlook columnist, world renowned journalist, tv presenter, and author passed away this weekend. He was an erudite and careful thinker whose insights will be deeply missed.”
Chapman, who was born in the UK in 1937 and studied at the University of Leicester, began his career in journalism at local outlet Eastern Daily Press in Norfolk. He moved into the international affairs beat, writing and broadcasting for news brands such as the Financial Times, The Times, the Sunday Times, The Observer, the Washington Post and BBC.
He eventually made a full move to Australia in 20004 after having previously worked at Australian Consolidated Press’s Australian Business magazine, The Australian Newspaper, ABC’s PM, and The World Today. He became a vice-president for Stratfor, an American geopolitical intelligence company.
Chapman joined the AIIA at this time and he went on to become a commissioning editor of Australian Outlook in 2013 and later editor-at-large at the outlet. He and wife Susan moved back to the UK in 2018, but remained “closely involved” with Australian Outlook.
Zara Kimpton, national vice president of the AIIA, said: “Australian Outlook was fortunate to have someone of Colin’s calibre and experience, both an editor and contributor. He brought a global and an Australian perspective to his analysis of events and a journalist’s eye to what was really important. The many articles which he has written recently for Australian Outlook are worth re-reading for those who have the time.”