THE BBC broadcaster Gerry Anderson has been posthumously inducted into the PPI (Phonographic Performance Ireland) Radio Awards Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Dublin.
Anderson began his broadcasting career at BBC Northern Ireland 30 years ago, presenting his first programme on BBC Radio Foyle in 1985.
He died in 2014 aged 69, after a long illness.
The Derry broadcaster, famous for coining the phrase ‘Stroke City’ for his home town, won many awards throughout his career.
He was the first North of Ireland broadcaster to be inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame.
Anderson’s esoteric morning programme on BBC Radio Ulster, which he presented with his ‘sidekick’ Sean Coyle, was widely seen as one of the most innovative radio shows in these islands.
Anderson appeared on both television and radio in the north, and presented documentaries and features on BBC Radio 4.
He also hosted an afternoon show Anderson Country on Radio 4 in 1994, but audience reaction to it from 'middle England' was mixed and after a year the show was dropped. It was one of the few failures in Anderson’s career.
Peter Johnston, Director of BBC Northern Ireland, spoke fondly of the broadcaster: “Gerry was a man of great wit and mischief but also brought real wisdom and insight to everything he did.
"All of us in BBC Northern Ireland miss Gerry very much, but of course he is most missed by his family and his adoring and loyal fans.
"This recognition from the PPI is a fitting tribute to a true legend of our industry - something which is often said lightly but is genuinely true of Gerry.”
