BBC Northern Ireland continuity announcer/director David Olver has tonight steered his final TV junctions after more than 47 years with the broadcaster, most of them in the announcer’s chair.
Surely some sort of record for a TV announcer?
Not long into his final shift, David got a mention at the end of the early evening edition of BBC Newsline. Presenter Tara Mills wished him a long and happy retirement, from all his friends and colleagues on the programme.
David’s career with BBC Northern Ireland began in January 1978, when at the age of 18, he joined the TV/radio presentation team, performing newsreading and announcing duties on both mediums.
Over the years, he’s performed various other roles: presenting on BBC Radio Ulster; trails producer in London and Belfast; voiceover work (outside of continuity).
RELATED ARTICLE: David Olver profile.
But TV continuity has been David’s main focus.
Some thoughts from a member of The TV Room team on David’s final evening on air:
“Throughout his time in continuity, David has set the standard.
“When David first started, technical facilities in continuity were primitive and somewhat lacking relative to the other nations and Network. The technical quality of junctions left a lot to be desired, with picture rolls when switching between Belfast and London.
“But David managed to navigate the quirks and deficiencies of the equipment and make the local junctions feel slick and fluid.
“And as the technology developed, David utilised it to its full potential.
“Every junction a finely crafted piece of work. Timed to perfection. A master of his profession.”
Shortly before 1.40am on Friday 27th June, David bid farewell to viewers in a special junction, featuring an old BBC One Northern Ireland clock and a montage of idents used during David’s time as the voice between the programmes on the channel.
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Acknowledgements
PICTURED: continuity director/announcer David Olver pictured on the tower on BBC Newsline, alongside presenter Tara Mills. COPYRIGHT: BBC.