The BBC’s interim news chief Jonathan Munro said it was “far too soon to lose Ed”.
“I worked as his producer when he was ITN’s diplomatic editor – unflappable then and ever after,” he continued.
“Many years later, I was listening to his superb analysis of the new Pope for the BBC – another of his many areas of expertise. Not many broadcasters can present Today, BBC One’s One O’clock News, The World at One and Sunday – but he did. He leaves a huge gap.”
Radio 4 controller Mohit Bakaya described Stourton as an “absolutely outstanding broadcaster”, adding that he “brought intelligence, authority and an extraordinary hinterland to everything he did”.
“When Ed was behind the mic, whether on Sunday or the various news programmes he regularly presented for Radio 4, you felt you understood the world that little bit better. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
ITV’s Julie Etchingham, who also presented Radio 4’s Sunday programme, said she was “very sad to hear the news” of Stourton’s death, remembering his “huge intellect and great heart”.
Stourton, who had homes in south London and south-west France, is survived by his wife Fiona, who is a senior television producer, two sons, a daughter and a step-daughter.