Life Story for David Dunseith

David Dunseith, who was regarded by many as a broadcasting legend in Northern Ireland, passed away on Thursday (June 30) aged 78.

Many tributes had been paid to Mr. Dunseith who had been a serving police officer in the 1970s before deciding to change careers and enter broadcasting.

He became a news anchorman with UTV before moving to the BBC as a political journalist.

Mr. Dunseith will be best remembered as presenter of BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback programme for almost 20 years. 

The daily programme was credited with providing a forum for debate during some of the darkest periods of the Northern Ireland troubles.

His professionalism won the respect of politicians and listeners from across the political divide. 

Mr. Dunseith’s contribution to broadcasting was recognised in 1993 when he won Local Broadcaster of the Year at the prestigious Sony Awards.

The Talkback show won a Gold Sony Away in 1997 for best phone-in/topical debate.

He retired from the show in 2009 before ending his broadcasting career as the presenter of BBC Radio Ulster’s Seven Days show.

Many tributes have been paid to the broadcaster from politicians and former colleagues.

The director general of the BBC, Mark Thompson, led the tributes.

He said: “David Dunseith served BBC audiences in Northern Ireland with distinction throughout some of the most difficult and contentious years of its history.

“He did this with tenacity, an encyclopaedic knowledge and patience. He will be greatly missed by all at the BBC.”

Mr. Dunseith’s wife of more than 25 years, Roisin Walsh, passed away last year.

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