One of the longest-serving newscasters in the UK has said she feels “privileged” to have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
UTV newsreader Rose Neill, 68, paid tribute to her “professional, hard-working and happy” colleagues as she was made an MBE for her services to broadcasting and to charity.
Neill is a veteran of broadcasting, being a presence on TV screens across Northern Ireland for more than four decades.
She began her career in 1977 as a children’s television presenter on UTV, and later moved to a role as a newscaster.
In 1985 she became an anchor for BBC Northern Ireland, going on to be one of its longest-serving newsreaders in her tenure that lasted until 2008.
In 2014 Neill joined Paul Clark in presenting UTV Live, describing the network then as her “television home”.
The broadcaster is also the honorary vice-patron of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and the chairwoman of the Riding for the Disabled Association in Northern Ireland.
Neill said she was “genuinely surprised and grateful” to have been included in the recognition.
“I have learned so much from some wonderful colleagues in television news over 49 years at both UTV and the BBC,” she said.
“I have also been inspired by lots of genuine people in various charitable organisations over the years.
“I love being part of such a helpful, professional, hard-working and happy team at UTV.
“Collectively, they deserve a great deal of credit themselves.
“My sons and sister and my dear friends have supported me during my career.”
