It is with great sadness that Queen’s University has learnt of the passing of the legendary journalist and former Ulster Television political editor Ken Reid. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and his wide circle of friends.

It was just under a year ago, on 25 January, 2024, that our Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer presented him with a Chancellor’s Medal for his services to journalism.

The other recipient that night was his BBC counterpart Stephen Grimason, who also sadly passed away earlier this year on 28 April. Two media giants gone within a number of months of each other.

Not only was Ken one of our greatest and most respected political correspondents, more importantly he was a man of compassion, modesty and fundamental decency, an outstanding human being. In the rough and tumble world of politics, in which relationships between elected representatives and the journalists tasked with holding them to account can often be fractious, Ken was held in the highest regard by political parties on all sides, by his professional colleagues and by the wider public.

Both Ken and Stephen were extremely proud to receive the Chancellor’s Medal in front of their many journalistic colleagues who turned up on the night to pay tribute to them. But they were both most pleased at the opportunity to share their recognition, success, and stories on the night with their families.

Queen’s believed it was fitting and our privilege to honour both men who each made such a huge contribution to the media in Northern Ireland, during the most turbulent years of life here. Their contribution cannot be understated.

During the GFA25 events at this University, Ken had advised that he would be unable to attend the Media in Conflict and Peace event due to being hospitalised. But after hearing Senator George Mitchell deliver an emotional and unforgettable speech at the opening session, Ken contacted the University.

He said that he had felt so inspired by a man who was almost 90 years old and had crossed the Atlantic to be here, that he had sought permission from his doctors to leave hospital for a couple of hours, turning up in a wheelchair so he could take part. A clear example of his personal tenacity and commitment to telling the story of the achievement of peace in Northern Ireland and the central role of the media, of which he was a major part.

Ken defined the golden era of journalism and the legacy of his contribution to the profession will never be forgotten.

His family remain in our thoughts and our University community will remember his sharp sense of humour, dedication to the truth, and his love of his family.

Rest in Peace Ken. We will not see your likes again.

Media

Media enquiries to Queen’s Communications Office on email: comms.office@qub.ac.uk or tel: (028) 9097 3091