BBC Radio Ulster has marked the 40th anniversary of Talkback with a live outside broadcast from Belfast Central Library. The programme first aired on 8 September 1986. Current presenter William Crawley hosted the milestone broadcast alongside a panel of guests to review the history of the show and its coverage of Northern Irish society.
The production has employed only four presenters throughout its four decade tenure. Barry Cowan, previously the host of the television news programme Scene Around Six, served as the original presenter. David Dunseith transitioned from a reporting role to lead the programme from 1989 until 2009.
Wendy Austin took over the role in 2009 after a 15 year stint hosting Good Morning Ulster. William Crawley has been the presenter since November 2014. Before joining Talkback, Crawley spent 12 years working on Sunday Sequence.
The anniversary broadcast featured a retrospective on the stories covered by the programme since its inception. Crawley stated that his current editorial approach incorporates voices and views from outside Northern Ireland to broaden the scope of the daily conversation. The programme continues to operate as a daily forum for public debate within the BBC portfolio. Talkback launched in 1986.