CHARLES Braham, the Welsh media tycoon who owned the Tivyside Advertiser for almost quarter of a century, has died at the age of 92.

Mr Braham, who had lived for the last twenty years at Aberporth took over the Cardigan-based newspaper in 1965 and – in the days when print was king – proceeded to steer it through its peak circulation years until 1988.

The Tivyside understands he died in Peterborough following a short illness just over a week after the passing of his son-in-law, David Saralis, former manager of Cardigan Leisure Centre and Aberporth cricket stalwart who at one time also worked for the paper.

Paying tribute, former Tivyside editor Aneurin Evans said Mr Braham had ‘an outstanding track record’ throughout his long career.

“He made a success of the Tivyside, the Llanelli Star and Swansea Sound,” he said. “He was also probably the first person in the country to realise what a great contribution a local radio station could make to a community.”

Sue Lewis, another former Tivyside editor, said: “Charles was a traditional newspaperman – ink ran through his veins.

“Even though he had sold the Tivyside by the time I took over as editor he still retained a great interest in the newspaper and what was happening locally – he was a champion of local news.

“In retirement he was a near-neighbour of mine and whenever our paths crossed we always had a chat about the Tivyside and what was happening within the newspaper industry.”

Prior to taking over at the Tivyside, Mr Braham spent 16 years at the Llanelli Star in his home town of Llanelli.

Then in September 1974 he launched Swansea Sound – Wales’s first independent local radio station – with the words: “Bore da. Good Morning. As managing director I am very proud to say for the very first time that this is Swansea Sound on 257 meters MW and 95.1FM VHF in stereo.

“We hope Swansea Sound will entertain you, inform you and above all give you a real involvement in community matters.”

Mr Braham, who was pre-deceased by his wife Maureen and son Mark, later became a media consultant and, having retired to Aberporth, continued to be an avid reader of the Tivyside.

He is survived by his daughter, Alison, and three grandchildren.