BBC Northern Ireland at 90: A rich heritage to build on

BBC Northern Ireland turns 90 this week, and last night (8 October) a gala concert marked the occasion at Ulster Hall in Belfast. Here, Peter Johnston, Director Northern Ireland, reflects on this landmark anniversary.

Anniversaries are an opportunity for looking back: reminding us of past achievements and lessons learned along the way. 90 years of local broadcasting have given us a treasure trove of BBC programmes, stories and personalities. There are many continuities in our local BBC story, but also much that reminds us of the (sometimes) radical changes that have taken place in the lives of the audiences we serve.

From modest beginnings in 1924, local BBC services have grown in scope and editorial ambition. Local voices, talent and the creative industries are now better represented on the BBC’s networks. And we continue to be a major sponsor of writing and performing talent – commissioning plays, readings and music and providing a unique mix of programmes that reflect the needs, experiences, hopes and concerns of local people.

Innovation, editorial and technical, is the lifeblood of broadcasting. It’s been a feature of our work from the very beginning. We are always looking for new ways of doing things, using the power of technology to extend the reach of BBC programmes and to make them fuller, better and more engaging. In all of this, we retain the excitement and idealism of 2BE’s radio pioneers and the BBC’s deep commitment to its audiences – who are the only reason we exist.

Broadcasting’s golden age is always still to be created. There are always new stories to be told, talent to be discovered and improvements to be made. With your continued support, the BBC’s airwaves will remain a place of gathering and transformation. We have a rich heritage and want to build on all that it has taught us and to make it anew.

Happy Birthday BBC Northern Ireland, and here’s to the centenary of local broadcasting…

Peter Johnston is Director, BBC Northern Ireland

• Listen to the concert online via BBC Radio Ulster
• Director General Tony Hall visit BBC Northern Ireland on 8 October. A speech he gave at Ulster Hall is available on the BBC Media Centre website.