Waddell Media founder and former UTV Director of Programmes, J. Brian Waddell passed away yesterday, Wednesday, December 16th. It is understood that Mr. Waddell died as a result of a heart attack following a recent minor operation.
Mr. Waddell was a prominent figure in the area of independent television in Northern Ireland, founding Brian Waddell Productions in 1988 and working for almost thirty years for local Northern Ireland broadcaster, UTV in various roles including Director of Programmes.
Mr. Waddell started a career in the media industry as a journalist with the Belfast telegraph in the 1960s. From there he moved on to UTV where he eventually rose to the title of Director of Programmes followed by the setting up of his own production company, Waddell Media in 1988.
Waddell Media is behind programmes such as ‘The One Show’, ‘Getaways’, ‘What Kids Really Think’ and ‘Northern Ireland WAGS’. The company also has an office in New York which produces programmes for the Discovery channel and National Geographic channel amongst others.
Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, Richard Williams, paid tribute to Mr Waddell, saying “I imagine there is no-one in the television community in Ireland who doesn’t know Brian Waddell, and there are a staggering number, including me, who have him to thank for careers in television. There is a fashion at the moment for connection programmes like Comedy Connections. In the world of television in Northern Ireland all paths lead back to Brian Waddell. He will be greatly missed.”
IFTA CEO Áine Moriarty also paid tribute to Mr. Waddell, saying "It is with great sadness that IFTA marks the passing of Brian Waddell, a man who has championed Irish television production throughout his working life. Brian has made an enormous contribution to the Irish industry bringing his creative talent and leadership to so many projects. He has been an inspiration to so many who follow in his footsteps and will always be remembered with respect and heartfelt gratitude. Brian was a Founding Member of the Academy and on behalf of fellow Academy Members, we extend our sympathy to Brian’s family."
