A woman who gave audiences around Britain a voice has passed away.

Jocelyn Hay, founder and president of Voice of the Listener and Viewer (VLV), died in Gravesend. She was 86.

Born on July 30, 1927, she is survived by her two daughters.

Mrs Hay started the VLV, based in Northfleet, in 1983.

It gave consumers a chance to comment on issues affecting public service broadcasting and the quality and diversity in radio and television.

Mrs Hay founded the organisation after plans were announced to change BBC Radio 4 into an all news and current affairs network.

The campaigner was a freelance writer and broadcaster before setting up the VLV, but stopped broadcasting in 1994.

In 1999, Mrs Hay was recognised for her work and was made an MBE and a CBE in 2005.

Colin Browne, chairman of the VLV, said: “Jocelyn was an inspiration to all of us who believe in quality and diversity in British broadcasting.

“Through her own strength of personality and strong convictions, and by gaining the respect of politicians and media executives, she helped to ensure that the views of listeners and viewers were listened to by decision-makers across the industry.

“She had remained active and involved in the organisation until very recently. My colleagues and I will miss her hugely. But our thoughts at this time are primarily with her family, to whom we send our most sincere condolences.”

BBC director-general, Tony Hall, also commented on the loss of Mrs Hay and said she had the interests of the public at heart.

He said: “Jocelyn Hay had a huge impact on broadcasting in this country.

“She never stopped campaigning for better quality programmes and for all broadcasters to put their audiences first.

“She always believed it was every broadcaster’s duty to make engaging programmes that captured the public’s imagination. She will be much missed.”

Mrs Hay died on Tuesday, January 21.