Avtar Lit, the founder of Britain’s first full-time Asian radio station, Sunrise Radio, is no more. He has passed away at the age of 73.
His family released a statement announcing the death of Avatar Lit this morning.
The statement read: “On behalf of the Lit and Sunrise Radio 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. Avtar was a much-beloved son, father, and grandfather.
“As a family, we kindly request privacy at this difficult time.”
Avtar launched Sunrise Radio in 1989 in West London. It is now the number-one commercial Asian radio station in the UK.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)