Ulster University has celebrated veteran broadcaster Eamonn Mallie for his significant contribution to the field of journalism.
Having reported for Radio Ulster, Downtown Radio and later his own company Eamonn Mallie News Services, Eamonn has interviewed countless world leaders including President Bill Clinton, Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair, President Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana and architects of the Northern Ireland peace process John Hume and David Trimble.
Now hosting his own annual TV show for UTV, Eamonn has co-authored nine books covering politics, art, and poetry.
Visiting Coleraine to receive his Honorary Doctorate from Ulster University, Dr Eamonn said:
“I was really shocked and surprised to receive my honorary doctorate. Thank you to Ulster University for giving me this honor, not in my wildest dreams did I think I would be honored like this. I am very grateful and my family are very grateful."
Sharing critical advice to journalism graduates in the room, Dr Eamonn said:
“Learn to interview properly. Advance your careers through doing further research on how to interview as a journalist properly. It is a fundamental necessity to be successful as a journalist. You need to be thinking all the time and always listening. Questions must be sharp and to the point. Your interviewees will be people who are accountable to others, make sure know the answer before you ask the question by doing your research. Make contacts and speak to everyone, no-one is irrelevant as you never know what you will learn by making everyone relevant."
Speaking of his own experience, veteran broadcaster Dr Eamonn Mallie shares crucial advice about the career of journalism said:
“The profession of journalism is addictive. I was addicted to journalism which meant I was away from home for such long periods at a time, when the Ballykelly bomb happened, I was out the door and wasn’t home for 17 hours. I went to the White House when Clinton was there each year, the fun factor with Clinton was quite remarkable he was so unpredictable, very entertaining, and incredibly bright. I also traveled to Gibraltar, Ethiopia, and Syria covering stories. Overall my advice to young journalists is don’t let the job own you. There is more to life than work, try to get the right balance.”
As the Class of 2024 celebrate their hard work and dedication across seven graduation ceremonies in Belfast, Coleraine and Derry~Londonderry,
Ulster University is honouring seven key figures in politics, journalism, the arts and community work as it bestows its Honorary Doctorates.
Eamonn joins former Irish President Mary Robinson, celebrated comedian Patrick Kielty, fashion leader Samantha Barry, renowned artist Oliver Jeffers, Sister Nuala Kelly, and community activist Betty Carlisle MBE, who are all being honoured by Ulster University this week.
For more information, visit: From Former Presidents to Fashion Leaders: Ulster University set to honour cohort of inspirational and talented leaders with series of Honorary Doctorates - Ulster University.