THREE of the best known faces on UTV have announced they are to leave the broadcaster.
UTV political editor and veteran journalist Ken Reid, who has become an almost nightly figures on the Live at 6 programme, is stepping down after almost 26 years in post.
He joined UTV in 1994 and has reported extensively from Belfast, Dublin, Westminster, Brussels and Washington, covering all major political events, often reporting late into the night on political negotiations.
"I’ve loved every minute of working at UTV, and I’m very proud to have brought some of the most important news stories of the day into people’s homes over the years", he said.
News correspondent Jane Loughrey, was among the first people on the scene of the Shankill Bomb after starting work at UTV in 1992.
She also covered the Loughinisland massacre, the IRA ceasefire, and in later years, the murders of Stephen Carroll and David Black, winning a number of awards for her work.
"Having worked through the Troubles, I feel very privileged and honoured that so many bereaved families trusted me to tell their stories of heartache and loss. Each and every interview has left its mark on me. I will never forget their kindness and very often, forgiveness”, she said.
Frank Mitchell, best known as the channel's weather forecaster, began his career at UTV in 1987 as a continuity announcer and later news presenter. He will be leaving UTV in the spring, but will continue to host his morning radio phone in show on U105.
He has fronted several UTV programmes over the years, including School Around the Corner, End to End, and Ultimate Ulster.
"I am so lucky to say that every morning I get up, it has never felt like work", he said.
UTV’s Head of News and Programmes, Simon Clemison has paid tribute to their "huge contributions down the decades".
Head of News and Programmes Simon Clemison said all three have have shown" huge dedication and we’ll be reflecting on their time with us" adding that UTV were "looking forward to developing the next generation of broadcasters".
