FORMER head of sport at BBC Northern Ireland Terry Smyth has been described as a "consummate professional" and a "television risk taker" following his death.
The ex-news journalist who turned his reporting talents towards sport was 73, and has been praised as a "giant of local broadcasting" upon news of his death at the weekend.
He started his broadcasting career with UTV and became the station's sports editor before heading to Grenada Television in England.
Upon returning to the north and joining the BBC in 1993 he became head of sport, a position he held for nine years.
Former UTV colleagues have praised Terry for his professionalism and personality, including ex-UTV sports editor Adrian Logan. In a tweet, Mr Logan, who resigned from UTV in 2009, wrote that Terry was "at all times courteous, a great journalist and just a decent fella. RIP. Great memories".
Ken Reid, who stood down as UTV political editor earlier this year, said Terry was "a journalist who worked with great distinction at both UTV and BBC".
Mr Reid added his old colleague was "a television risk taker who did so much for the coverage of local sport".
Former football manager-turned BBC sports pundit Liam Beckett tweeted on Saturday evening that his "heart is heavy" after learning of Terry's passing.
"Over the years I've met so many people in sport but Terry was one who will definitely live long in my memory as a consummate professional yet always warm and truly genuine.".
BBC NI sports presenter Stephen Watson said his former boss was a "giant of local broadcasting".
"He was my first head of sport at BBC NI, but quickly became one of my closest friends.
"A true gentleman, he will be greatly missed by so many people across the NI sporting community. My thoughts are with his family at this time."
