A FORMER UTV journalist who later became a senior member of the RUC press office has been described as "hard-working and dedicated" following his death.
William (Bill) McGookin died peacefully in hospital on Sunday.
He was one of UTV's first reporters in the 1960s and later joined the RUC press office.
His funeral will be held at St Columba's Parish Church in Knock, Belfast, this afternoon.
A spokeswoman for UTV said Mr McGookin was one of the station's first reporters
"The UTV family is saddened to hear of the passing of former employee William McGookin," she said.
"He worked for the station in the mid sixties, reporting on a wide range of stories."
Mr McGookin later joined the RUC press office at the height of the Troubles.
He was the main media advisor to ex-chief constables Sir John Hermon and Sir Hugh Annesley.
At the time, the RUC was involved in high-profile controversies including an alleged shoot-to-kill policy.
Stephen White, former PSNI assistant chief constable, said Mr McGookin was greatly respected.
"Bill was a very hard-working and dedicated public servant," he said.
"He advised several chief constables during very difficult times. He was highly respected by all the journalists he worked with on a daily basis and that is a great tribute to his work and service.
"My thoughts are with his family."
