BY AMY ROSE HARTE
AN Annagry man has won a prestigious media award for his top quality work in news and current affairs.
Kevin Sharkey was recently named the Radio Current Affairs Broadcaster of the Year at the Coca Cola CIPR Press and Broadcast Awards. The ceremony, which was held in the Europa Hotel, Belfast. The aim of the awards is to provide an opportunity for the Northern Ireland media to demonstrate its excellence across a range of categories.
Kevin was honoured for his work as a reporter on BBC Radio Ulster's current affairs programme, Talk Back, which is presented by David Dunseith.
"It was totally unexpected, we all attended the ceremony to just enjoy the night but I didn't think I was going to win anything," he says.
"It's a privilege for me to win the award but also to work on Talk Back with a legendary broadcaster such as David Dunseith. I also want to pay tribute to the editor of News and Current Affairs Kathleen Carragher and thank her for the wonderful opportunities she has given me since I've joined the BBC. Also to Jacqueline Macintee, the Assistant Editor of Talk Back for all her encouragement."
Since moving to Belfast five years ago, Kevin also worked on Radio Ulster's two other flagship current affairs programmes, Good Morning Ulster and Evening Extra. Last week, he covered the power-sharing agreement story at Stormont.
"I know that we often hear the term 'historic' used in connection to events that happen there, particularly over the last few years. But last week there really was that sense of historymaking because of the Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley coming together after their very different paths, and it just gave you the sense there was a very different historic happening on that particular day," he said.
Kevin grew up in Calhame, Annagry and went to Rosses Community School in Dungloe. He spent many years working as a Highland Radio news reporter, and the began working with BBC Radio Ulster five years ago. Talk Back is celebrating its 20th anniversary on air this year. Talk Back broadcasts from 12 p.m. until 1.30p.m. every day on BBC Radio Ulster.
