Former BBC NI journalist Vincent Kearney named RTE’s new northern editor

Currently Northern Correspondent for RTÉ News, Vincent has reported across all of RTÉ’s flagship news programmes, providing television, radio and online coverage, since his appointment in January 2019. He is an award-winning journalist whose 32 years’ experience has included senior editorial positions in regional and national newspapers, and at BBC Northern Ireland. While Brexit and Covid-19 have dominated the recent news agenda Vincent has also reported on a wide range of other stories including political, economic, social and cultural developments for RTÉ News.

He has previously worked as a reporter and producer for daily news and documentaries at the BBC including four years with BBC Northern Ireland’s Spotlight programme. Prior to joining RTÉ he was Home Affairs Correspondent for BBC Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Correspondent with The Sunday Times and also worked for the Belfast Telegraph for nine years.

A former Northern Ireland Journalist of the Year, throughout his career he has broken major stories and has a wide range of contacts across the communities. Vincent is a native of west Belfast but has spent the last 31 years living with his wife Louise and family in Lurgan, County Armagh.

Managing Director of RTÉ News & Current Affairs, Jon Williams said: “Few know and understand Northern Ireland better than Vincent Kearney. A gifted storyteller, three decades of reporting Northern Ireland have given Vincent insights and authority in a place where trust and credibility matter more than most. From the aftermath of Brexit, to the continuing Covid crisis,

“RTÉ has a unique role as an all-island broadcaster. No-one is better placed to continue the work of Tommie Gorman, and David Davin Power

and Jim Dougal before him, than Vincent Kearney.”

Commenting on his new role Vincent said: “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to take on a role that is without doubt one of the best jobs in journalism on the island of Ireland.

“Tommie Gorman will leave behind an amazing legacy, and huge shoes to fill. I am delighted to be the person to be given the opportunity to fill them. RTÉ has a reputation for authoritative and comprehensive coverage of Northern Ireland affairs and I relish the challenge of continuing that tradition.”

Vincent Kearney will commence his new role as Northern Editor in Spring 2021 when RTÉ’s current Northern Editor Tommie Gorman retires.

Paying tribute to Tommie Gorman, Jon Williams said: “For 41 years, from Brussels to Belfast, via Sligo and Saipan, Tommie Gorman has been the beating heart of RTÉ News. He has earned the trust of audiences, north and south - and of all sides in Northern Ireland, telling their story, sharing his insights, and championing RTE’s role as an all-island news organisation.”