Ken Reid, Former UTV Political Editor, Passes Away

Ken Reid, who previously served as UTV’s political editor, has passed away. Mr. Reid, aged 69, covered significant events of the peace process over nearly three decades in broadcasting. He disclosed in 2017 that he had received a diagnosis of a type of leukaemia. Despite also having diabetes, he remained professionally active until his departure from UTV in 2021. Recognized widely in Northern Ireland, he received an honor from Queen’s University earlier this year acknowledging his contributions to journalism. He frequently conducted interviews with Prime Minister Tony Blair both preceding and following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. A notable political exclusive of his was the 2008 announcement that Ian Paisley, then leader of the DUP, would resign from his roles as first minister and party leader. First Minister Michelle O’Neill stated that Mr. Reid was “a true giant in local journalism, and an all-round gentleman”. The Sinn Féin deputy leader further commented that his “strength and courage in the face of illness served as an inspiration to many, as he became a powerful advocate for raising awareness of cancer”. She concluded, “We mourn the loss of a dear friend, and a remarkable man.” Gavin Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), characterized Mr. Reid as a “colossus is his field”. Robinson remarked, “Ken was a special journalist in Northern Ireland as someone who managed to get to the heart of all the major political stories and cover the difficult issues whilst remaining the respect, admiration and affection of representatives from all political opinions.” Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Simon Harris noted that Mr. Reid had “shared his insight with great clarity and expertise to a generation of viewers across Northern Ireland, Ireland and Britain”. Mr. Reid commenced his political reporting for UTV in 1994, the year the IRA and loyalist ceasefires took effect. Following the 1998 agreement, he covered the conferral of the Nobel Peace Prize upon David Trimble and John Hume. Subsequently, he reported on the establishment of power sharing at Stormont. He remained a constant presence on the UTV evening news program throughout the fluctuating periods of devolution. Annually, he reported from the St. Patrick’s Day receptions held at the White House in Washington, and he often traveled to Brussels, particularly around the 2016 Brexit vote. His extensive journalism career started in print media, first at the News Letter in the late 1970s, followed by a role as sports editor for the now-defunct Sunday News in the mid-1980s. He eventually assumed the position of overall editor for that publication. He was a passionate fan of Everton, his local football club Cliftonville, and Ballymena rugby club. Despite his initial period in sports journalism, he once remarked: “Sport is my hobby and keeps me sane. I didn’t want it to be my job. I always wanted sport to just be sport.” In 1987, Mr. Reid relocated to the Cork Examiner, situated south of the border, where he cultivated strong relationships with Irish politicians. These connections proved beneficial when he joined UTV to lead its political reporting during a critical phase of the peace process in the mid-1990s. Born in 1955, Mr. Reid was raised in north Belfast. He attended Methodist College before pursuing studies at the University of Hull. In response to the announcement of Mr. Reid’s death, Michael Jermey, ITV’s news director, characterized him as “a towering figure in broadcasting in Northern Ireland”. Mr. Jermey stated, “He will be enormously missed by colleagues in UTV and right across the wider ITV.” He further commented: “Ken was a wonderful journalist. Well informed, intelligent and always utterly impartial in his approach to reporting.” “He had a ringside seat at some of the most significant moments of modern history – perhaps most notably the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.” UTV presenter Paul Clark expressed that he was “deeply saddened” by the news of Mr. Reid’s death. Mr. Clark remarked, “He was an outstanding journalist and always at the top of his craft,” adding, “I learnt so much from him.” Speaker Edwin Poots extended condolences to Mr. Reid’s family on behalf of the Northern Ireland Assembly. He noted that Mr. Reid was “held in the highest regard by the parties across the Assembly, and importantly the viewers, as a trusted and informed voice”. Mike Nesbitt, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), who previously worked as a broadcaster, collaborated with Mr. Reid for numerous years at UTV. In an emotional homage, the health minister mentioned that Mr. Reid confronted his illness “with his usual good humour”. He informed the BBC’s Evening Extra that Mr. Reid “never set out to be a broadcaster” but ultimately became “the most respected journalist I have ever met”. Nesbitt additionally referred to Mr. Reid as his “broadcasting brother”. Claire Hanna, the SDLP leader, stated that Mr. Reid was a “reassuring figure, who offered keen analysis with a comforting whit and easy charm, though he suffered no fools”. Jim Allister, leader of Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), commented that Mr. Reid was “part of the political lives of so many for so long” and was “respected by all sides”. Baroness Foster, who previously served as first minister, described Mr. Reid’s death as “incredibly sad news”. She informed BBC News NI that he was “one of the last great interviewers of the Belfast Agreement time”. She added, “He was a great character… he was incredibly down to earth.” Mark Devenport, formerly BBC NI Political Editor, stated that Mr. Reid was “a very astute journalist”. Mr. Devenport also mentioned that he was “occasionally a rival who did me professional damage, but on a personal level we were always very good friends”. Even while gravely ill in the hospital during his final days, Ken Reid continued to listen to radio news. He once referred to himself as a “politics junkie” and maintained a keen interest in Stormont, Westminster, and the Dáil even after retiring. During my last hospital visit to Ken, he had just started listening to a political debate on BBC Radio Five Live, which played in the background as we conversed. Political discussions, in a way, formed the backdrop of his professional life. Standing over 6 feet tall, he was often known as ‘Big Ken’, yet he communicated with the audience in an accessible manner, earning their respect. He confronted his illnesses with remarkable bravery. He expressed profound gratitude for the support and affection from his wife, children, and grandchildren. Ken Reid will be recalled as a prominent figure in broadcasting. Until his final moments, he remained immersed in news. Ken had a deep affection for broadcasting, and broadcasting reciprocated that affection. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.