It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Howard Hughes, the beloved and respected creator of The Unexplained With Howard Hughes and a dear friend who sadly died a week ago. In honour of Howard, let us continue exploring, questioning, and listening to the mysteries that lie beyond. I promise that this will not be the final edition of The Unexplained with Howard Hughes. In due time, I believe it would be fitting to celebrate and honour Howard’s life in an audio tribute, featuring memories and reflections from his former guests, friends of the show and colleagues. For those of you who would like to leave your messages and memories of Howard, to share them publicly do use the guestbook via the website www.theunexplained.tv - if you prefer to keep them private, send an email to mail@theunexplained.tv and I will share them with his family. I hope at this sad time you will comforted by listening to Howard’s legacy, the huge archive of the shows which will remain online and I want to thank you personally, Howard’s dear listener, I will be forever grateful for your support over the past 18 years. Sincerely, Adam Cornwell - Webmaster
Dear Howard's listeners, I'm a voice you will not recognise, but a name you will be familiar with.
I'm Adam Cornwell, his webmaster, and it is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of Howard after a short illness earlier this month.
For the past 18 years, the Unexplained podcast with Howard Hughes has grown into a much loved haven for the curious and open-minded, reaching millions around the world.
It quickly became a community, even before the rise of social media.
And as the podcast's webmaster, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact Howard had on his listeners.
He wasn't simply a presenter.
He was a friend to those who tuned in, a guide who journeyed with them into the unknown, and for longtime listeners, a constant through life's good and bad times.
Howard was forever grateful for the recent outpouring of support.
The daily flow of well wishes by email to mail at the unexplained.tv through the website contact form at www.theunexplained.tv and on his official Facebook page.
I'm so sorry to say that for all of you who have been eagerly awaiting an update, this podcast edition does not contain the positive news we had all hoped for.
As the voice, creator and driving force behind the unexplained, Howard brought his inquisitive nature and professionalism to an international audience, bridging the worlds of the known and the mysterious with curiosity, compassion and an incredible sense of integrity and humility.
Howard remained humble and down to earth, always making time for anyone who reached out, whether replying to listener messages, suggestions or simple greetings.
He was more at home behind the microphone, of which he owned many, than in the media spotlight.
Howard and I would talk regularly, multiple times a week, discussing ideas for the show, guests or topics that intrigued us, from aliens to aviation, or what was going on in our private lives.
But no matter the topic, he'd often excitedly weave in a mention of new listeners he had heard from.
In the beginning, Howard shared news about fans who had discovered the podcast in new cities.
Soon enough, it was new countries, and then new continents.
The unexplained has been a constant in my life for the last 16 years, and I always looked forward to getting a sneak peek before the official release.
It would always be thrilling when Howard would call me and say, Adam, drop everything.
I've got a world exclusive.
When I met Howard for the first time, it was in Liverpool at Radio City, where he also began his remarkable career.
In some ways, it was quite surreal to hear his iconic voice in person.
He spoke with the same authenticity and warmth off the air as he did on it.
It was at the top of the tower, or to call it by its official name, St. John's Beacon.
Howard's belief in people was evident.
He was always ready to support anyone, aspiring to enter the world of broadcasting or journalism, sharing his wisdom in that unmistakable voice and his passion for radio.
Reflecting on Howard's broadcasting journey, having started from his family living room supported by his parents who he loved so dearly, to his journalism diploma and training at Radio City, Howard owned his craft across an impressive career.
From Radio Wyvern in Worcester to a prominent role at Capitol Radio in London, where he served as journalist and news presenter for a decade on Capitol Radio's breakfast show with Chris Tarant, reaching millions.
He covered major events that rock the nation with great accuracy and sensitivity.
Howard's career also took him to notable roles at LBC, Talk Sport and Smooth Radio, as well as many other BBC radio stations.
He was a recipient of the IRN Gold Award for contribution to commercial radio, a testament to his dedication and the respect he earned within the industry.
But beyond awards, Howard's greatest achievement was his ability to connect, to touch lives, inspire curiosity, and provide a platform where questions could be asked freely.
It was this very podcast, The Unexplained with Howard Hughes, he founded in 2006 where he may have found his true calling.
It was always about discovery, learning and sharing.
His genuine interest in conversations with his guests across a huge variety of subjects was clear.
Twice weekly, he invited listeners to explore something new and consider a different point of view, always allowing them to form their own conclusions.
Many listeners would write in to say they were left thinking for hours or even re-listening because his soothing voice was like therapy, sending them off to sleep.
I haven't mentioned the word guest until now, although they were such a big part of the show.
Howard's warmth often turned these guests from around the globe into friends, and the best of them joined him on the Unexplained Live series of events.
He leaves behind an indelible mark on the world of broadcasting and a legacy that will live on in the episodes of this podcast and the memories he created.
I reflect on a quote from Edition 800 where Howard remarks how lucky he was to be rich in the experience of life.
Howard is survived by his listeners, colleagues and family who knew him as more than a voice.
The unexplained with Howard Hughes will endure a testament to his life's work and a tribute to the Mystery, wonder, and humanity he brought to every story.
In honour of Howard, let us continue exploring, questioning, and listening to the mysteries that lie beyond.
I promise that this will not be the final edition of The Unexplained with Howard Hughes.
In due time, I believe it will be fitting to celebrate and honour Howard's life in an audio tribute featuring memories and reflections from his former guests, friends of the show, and colleagues.
And for those of you who would like to leave your messages and memories of Howard, to share them publicly, do use the guest book via the website www.theunexplained.tv.
Or if you prefer to keep them private, send an email to mail at theunexplained.tv and I will share them with his family.
Across the UK, across continental North America and around the world, Howard will be forever missed, but never forgotten.
