Beloved BBC broadcaster John Bennett has died aged 82, it has been confirmed.
Bennett was one of Northern Ireland’s best-known radio personalities.
He was also the first voice on Radio Ulster when it launched in 1975.
Announcing the sad news of his death, his family said in a statement that Bennett ‘peacefully’ died on Friday (July 26) surrounded by loved ones.
His children have described him as a ‘consummate professional’ who had a ‘long and celebrated career in broadcasting’.
‘In addition to this, he served many years as a teacher. He touched the lives of innumerable people, and they are ever the richer for his inspiration and influence.
‘Northern Ireland has lost a lynchpin in local broadcasting. We, as a family, have lost a loving Father, Father-in-law and cherished Granda.’
Bennett is survived by his daughter Siobhan and his son Mark.
He was married to his wife, Joan, for 53 years before she died in 2020.
Adam Smyth, the director of BBC Northern Ireland, paid tribute to Bennett, saying that he ‘made radio presenting seem effortless’.
Smyth added that Bennett’s popularity was evident in how he ‘didn’t just have listeners – he had followers’.
‘He was always in command of his subject matter, knew what connected with people, and when to keep himself out of it.
‘John was with us from the very first day of Radio Ulster and has been an intrinsic part of the station ever since. It’s hard to imagine Radio Ulster without him. Our deepest condolences go to Siobhan, Mark and the whole family circle.’
Emma Dunseith, Head of Content Production for BBC Northern Ireland, added that Bennett was an ‘exceptional’ broadcaster who ‘made a very significant contribution to BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Radio Ulster’.
She praised him as someone who presented ‘with charm, wit and authenticity’ and brought ‘much-needed companionship’ to the airwaves.
‘Loved by audiences and colleagues alike, his dedication to listeners and respect for colleagues was in abundant supply.
‘Always a professional. Always humble. Always a gentleman. John will be much missed. We extend our deepest condolences to his entire family circle.’
Bennett brushed shoulders with many revered stars and public figures throughout his career, which included interviewing American jazz icon Tony Bennett.
The Belfast-born presenter hosted how own morning show on Radio Ulster each weekday throughout the 1990s, where he played music while also covering current affairs.
Bennett also presented many documentaries for the station, including two series covering railways and railway journeys, a subject he was passionate about.
A keen football fan, Bennett commentated on hundreds of games, including from Wembley Arena.
In January 2023, Bennett was awarded an MBE for services to Television and Radio Broadcasting and was later inducted into the IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame.