Broadcast Journalist Jim Dougal Dies Age 65 | The Irish Film & Television Network

Belfast-born journalist, Jim Dougal passed away on Friday, October 15th following a long battle with cancer. Mr Dougal, aged 65, worked in RTÉ as the broadcaster’s Northern Editor from 1979 until 1991 when he joined BBC Northern Ireland as the group’s political correspondent. At the time of his death he had just finished making a programme about the life and work of Margaret Thatcher and was involved in the area of media training in Northern Ireland.

Jim Dougal joined RTÉ in 1974 and was appointed Northern Editor in 1979. Following this he went on to become BBC Northern Ireland’s Political Correspondent and was also the European Commission's spokesperson in Belfast. Though he later became head of the Commission's UK office in London, he eventually resigned from the post in 2004 citing issues with the Commission's communications policy.

Since this, he had been involved in broadcasting and media training in Northern Ireland and held a prominent role in UTV’s recent coverage of both the Westminster and European elections. Mr. Dougal is survived by his wife, Deirdre, their three daughters and a son.

Managing Director of RTÉ News, Ed Mulhall has issued a statement in reaction to Mr. Dougal’s death, saying: “He was a hugely significant figure in Irish broadcasting and journalism. As the station’s Northern Editor from 1979 until 1991, he led RTÉ’s coverage through some of the most difficult and dangerous years of the Troubles. He was a distinguished journalist and was widely respected as a fair and authoritative commentator on events in Northern Ireland during that period. Our sincere condolences go to his wife Deirdre and their four children.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin also expressed his condolences to Mr Dougal's family, saying: “Jim was a gifted journalist with great political insight, and one who conducted himself with complete professionalism throughout his long career.”

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