NI Agri-Journalists Honoured

Two local specialist journalists, both of whom are members of the Northern Ireland Guild of Agricultural Journalists, have been recognised for their exceptional work.

The well-known voice behind BBC Radio Ulster's long-running agricultural news slots, Richard Wright, and UTV's Environmental Correspondent, Brian Black (top of picture) have just been honoured.

Richard Wright has become 'Columnist of the Year' in Scotland for his highly respected and thought provoking 'Roger Taylor' column in 'The Scottish Farmer'.

This is being seen as a major achievement for an agricultural writer as he is competing against columnists in titles right across the Scottish media in all genres and subject areas, from trade journals to the national dailies.

Brian Black and a team at commercial firm Evergreen Media were also just named as runners up in a UK wide TV documentary competition.

It was judged by Sir David King, a former chief scientific adviser in the Blair government era.

This highly praised film on climate change was set in the Artic and combined Brian's expertise as a journalist and as a sailor.

Brian Black, who started off his television career in news and current affairs, has since been concentrating his energies on his life-long interest in the environment.

As a result, he has been three times named as 'Environment Journalist of the Year'.

In recognition of his work in increasing environmental awareness, he was awarded a Visiting Professorship in the School of Environmental Studies at the University of Ulster and an Honorary Master’s degree from the Open University.

(BMcC)