BBC Northern Ireland sports presenter Joel Taggart to leave broadcaster

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 12:44 · Archive

Joel Taggart, a long-time BBC Northern Ireland sports presenter and commentator, is leaving the broadcaster as part of a voluntary redundancy drive.

Joel Taggart, a long-standing presenter and commentator on BBC Northern Ireland, is leaving the broadcaster as part of a voluntary redundancy drive. He will remain at the BBC until an unspecified date in December. Up to 50 roles are being cut across BBC Northern Ireland, with the organisation expected to deliver £4 million of savings in 2027 and 2028.

Taggart is best known as a commentator on BBC NI's sports coverage, particularly for Radio Ulster's Sportsound on Saturday. He has also been a regular presenter on Good Morning Ulster and has deputised for Stephen Nolan on the Nolan show. His departure follows that of long-time colleague Michael McNamee, who left the broadcaster last year, and other recent high-profile exits including weather presenter Angie Phillips, Julian Fowler and Nicola Weir.

The redundancy drive has prompted uncertainty among BBC Northern Ireland staff about their positions. Earlier this week, the broadcaster also confirmed the axing of two programmes: Give My Head Peace and the Blame Game. More high-profile departures are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.

How it is being reported

• Joel Taggart confirms he is leaving BBC Northern Ireland and sets timeline for departureLong-time presenter and commentator to leave BBC as part of voluntary redundancy driveBelfast Live · 9 Oct, 12:13
• 'Voice of Northern Ireland sport at home and abroad’ Joel Taggart to leave BBC Northern IrelandBBC presenter Joel Taggart has been described as ‘the voice of Northern Ireland sport at home and abroad’, after it was revealed that he is to leave the broadcaster.News Letter · 8 Oct, 17:09

In this story: Joel Taggart · BBC Northern Ireland · Radio Ulster · Michael McNamee · Angie Phillips · Julian Fowler · Nicola Weir · Stephen Nolan

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