BBC Radio 1 announced today that Rory McConnell will be the new host of its Northern Ireland show on Thursday nights.
Rory joined Radio 1 in 2004 as broadcast assistant on Donna Legge’s show, which is one of the station’s weekly new music shows from the UK’s four nations.
Rory will succeed Donna Legge. who joined Radio 1 as presenter of The Session In Northern Ireland in 1999.
Donna will continue to broadcast her show Across The Line on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Northern Ireland television. Ian Parkinson, Radio 1 Head of Specialist, Speech and 1Xtra, said: “I’m really happy to welcome Rory as presenter of the Northern Ireland show, I’m positive that he’ll do an excellent job.
“For the past seven years, Donna has been a brilliant host of the show which has built a great reputation for discovering and championing new music and local bands such as Snow Patrol. I wish her all the best in her future career.”
Rory McConnell said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me. It is an exciting time for new music in Northern Ireland and I’m committed to unearthing some of the best new local talent.
“I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Donna Legge added: “I’ve had a wonderful time presenting the Northern Ireland show and am very proud of what I have achieved since it started.
“I’m ready to move on to work on new and exciting projects in TV and radio but will be continuing to broadcast for BBC Northern Ireland.
“Handing over to Rory on tonight’s show will be a pleasure.”