Church leaders, Lords and broadcasters have been amongst those paying tribute to Peter Kerridge, Premier's long-term CEO of over 20 years who died at the weekend.
He had been battling acute leukaemia for over a year.
Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, called Peter a "pioneer and champion of electronic and online ministry for decades, and a visionary whose legacy will live on to impact and benefit many for years to come".
The archbishop expressed his "bitter-sweet" emotions over Peter's passing, saying he was "saddened by his absence while thankful for the end of his struggle and assured that he will hear the joyful words of our Lord 'Well done good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of you Lord'".
Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance wrote on X: "So sad to hear this news in between speaking at services up in Birmingham. Praying for his family & all at Premier. May he rest in peace & rise in glory."
Rev Malcolm Duncan, Theologian-in-Residence for Spring Harvest, also took the platform to pay his respects: "Thanking God for the remarkable life and ministry of @PeterKerridge. He will be profoundly missed. A man of faith, vision and passion."
Justin Brierley, who began the apologetics show Unbelievable under Peter's leadership at Premier, said: "Very sorry to hear of the passing of Peter Kerridge. May he rest in peace and rise in glory."
The Bible Society, which translates and distributes bibles around the world, said that thanks to Peter, Christian voices have been heard "not just within the Church but much further afield, and we all owe him a great debt".
Other tributes came from the political world, with Lord Alton of Liverpool likening Peter's ministry to that of iconic Christian leaders.
"So very sorry to hear of Peter’s death. 250 years ago John and Charles Wesley used word and music to bring an eternal message of hope to British people," he said. "They did it on horseback and in the fields and at the factory gates. Peter Kerridge used radio waves, technology and total dedication to achieve the same ends."
Another member of the House Lords, Lord Beith of Berwick-upon-Tweed, recalled how he and Peter had overcome many difficulties to get the Christian radio station up and running in the UK.
"Peter’s determination to create and continue a Christian broadcasting station was remarkable," he said. "And it saw him through several battles with the broadcasting bureaucracy.
"When he turned to those of us who were serving in Parliament for help in these battles, his vision and persistence made you want to respond and find a way forward."
That was echoed by David L'Herroux, CEO of United Christian Broadcasters (UCB), who said:
"Peter was an incredible man of God, an amazing servant who loved our Lord Jesus Christ dearly and served Him so faithfully. His pioneering work in Christian media in the UK has left a lasting legacy, and now he rejoices in the presence of the One he loved so much."
Other charities who have worked with Premier over the years also paid their respects.
Christians Against Poverty described Peter as a "great warrior" and Churches Together in England said he was a "pioneer".
Jude Davis, Interim CEO of Church Army, said Peter's "unwavering dedication" to Christian media has left an "indelible mark".
"His visionary leadership and passion for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through radio, magazines, events and online have touched countless lives," she said.
"Peter spent his life sharing the good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and we believe that he will now know that good news more fully. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peter's family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
London City Mission added on X: "Giving thanks for the life of Peter Kerridge, praying for his family, friends and colleagues."
Tributes went far beyond the Christian world, with Radio Centre calling Peter a "pioneer for radio in the UK".
The industry body added: "Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."
Peter leaves behind wife Karen and two sons Jonathan and Matthew.
