Published Monday, 14 May 2012
Sharon O’Neill picks up her prize at the awards bash. (© UTV)
Sharon O'Neill was named CIPR News and Current Affairs Broadcaster of the Year, while Political Editor Ken Reid picked up the prize for CIPR Political Journalist of the Year.
The judges praised Sharon O'Neill's particular journalistic style and insightful, award winning stories, noting her intelligent, well-structured and unobtrusive style.
They said: "What Sharon O'Neill has done through her reporting is bring a selection of stories to the news agenda that might otherwise have been passed over."
Ken Reid was recognised for his dedication to political journalism, receiving the judges' praise for his agenda-setting stories and informative, passionate approach.
The prize was his fifth CIPR award and his ninth overall.
Niall Donnelly was also a finalist in the News and Current Affairs category, while UTV Live and UTV Live Tonight were shortlisted for Programme of the Year.
Head of News, Darwin Templeton, said: "I am delighted to see Ken and Sharon recognised for their passion and commitment to news and current affairs by the CIPR.
"The awards reflect the high calibre of journalism here at UTV and are the result of a tremendous team effort - indeed the judges praised the quality of filming and editing in Sharon's work.
"It was very pleasing to see our commitment to current affairs and the efforts of our staff acknowledged in this way by such highly regarded media figures," he added.