Former BBC David Capper, a journalist, has passed away at the age of 91. This has been confirmed.
Capper worked as a correspondent for BBC Ireland and was well-known to many TV viewers.
The broadcaster, who was born in Belfast, worked for BBC Northern Ireland. He was part of Northern Ireland's Scene Around Six and reported on national radio about various events, such as Bloody Sunday and Bloody Friday.Initially working at Newtownards Chronicle, Capper covered his first major news event there, which was the sinking of the Princess Victoria in 1953.
Capper also spent time in Vancouver before returning to Northern Ireland to edit a local newspaper and later joining the team at the Belfast Telegraph.
Later, Capper joined the BBC team in Buenos Aires during the Falklands War.
Tributes have been made for Capper by BBC employees (Picture: Reuters)
However, this did not mark the end of his journalism career, as he continued to work in media, providing advice to developing radio stations abroad.
Regarding his personal life, Capper's family revealed that he eventually settled in Donaghadee in County Down, where he had spent several childhood summers.
He is survived by three children – Chris, Diarmit, and Samantha – as well as nine grandchildren.
Following the sad news of Capper’s death, many tributes were received.
Adam Smyth, the director at BBC NI, described him as a ‘journalistic icon’ in a heartfelt message.
‘David was the epitome of impartial and courageous reporting in the public interest,’ he said.
‘He witnessed some of the most difficult events of The Troubles, including Bloody Sunday, and could be completely trusted to provide an accurate account of what he saw.
‘Many senior figures in local journalism also have David to thank for passing on his considerable skillset to junior reporters starting out in the industry.
‘Our deepest sympathies go to David’s family circle.’
Paul Clark, a presenter of UTV Live and View From Stormont, shared a story on X: ‘I worked with David Capper in the 80s. One morning we heard about a loyalist incursion at Clontibret in Co. Monaghan. Gardai arrested a man called Robinson. We wondered. DC rang the family home to be told that Peter had not returned home the previous night. The rest is history!!’
Ken Reid, the former UTV political editor, wrote: ‘David Capper has died, aged 91. A wonderful journalist who brought insight and integrity to the profession. Deepest sympathies to the family circle and friends.’
He was known for reporting on the Troubles.
