IRN newsreader and reporter Ruth Hill has died. Ruth worked in radio for many years and was one of the country's leading commercial radio newsreaders. She began her career in June 1975 as a reporter in Southport and was soon promoted to editor of the Southport Star.
Ruth joined IRN in 1989, and in the early 90's she battled through and fought off Hodgkin's Disease.
She read IRN bulletins for 14 years before becoming the voice of breakfast in London by reading IRN updates for London's Magic 105.4.
IRN Editor Jon Godel told RadioToday.co.uk: "Ruth was a hugely talented journalist and possessed one of the best news reading voices in commercial radio. Millions of listeners would hear her bulletins each week. Some of her most memorable broadcasts were at the time of the Gulf War and the death of Princess Diana. She had a voice which punched out authority and had the ability to turn the most complicated story into a compelling 15 second radio script.
"Throughout her recent illness she was determined to return to news reading and never gave up her desire to get back behind the microphone."
In recent times she remained stoical, positive and generous to all who knew her and during her absence from work would always ask; "What's happening in the news room."
Ruth Olwen Hill celebrated her birthday just a few weeks ago – she was 51.