UTV’s Frontline show focuses Press Photographers who captured the Troubles through a camera lens
- Love Ballymena
- May 12, 2021
- 2 min read
UTV’s Frontline programme makes a return to our screens this week, and focuses on the stories of Press Photographers who captured the Northern Ireland Troubles through the lens of their camera, including local man Paul Faith, who started his career in Ballymena.
The first series, shown in 2019, to mark the 50th anniversary of the start of The Troubles, highlighted Doctors and Nurses, Teachers, Entertainers, Social Workers and people from the business community who all shared their stories about how they worked through the troubles and how they were impacted personally and professionally.
This new series was once again produced in-house by UTV, and was researched and shot during lockdown, adhering to strict COVID guidelines. Using interviews, and footage from UTV’s rich archive library, the series shines a light on another five key groups of people - Ambulance men, Firemen, Bus Drivers, Press Photographers and the Clergy.
Key people interviewed give first-hand accounts of their jobs, and how they dedicated their lives to their various professions to keep life moving despite the conflict that was going on, regardless of the personal impact.
In addition to the interviews, these new episodes have taken some of those involved back to the scenes of the most memorable of incidents, allowing them to show exact spots where they were and how events unfolded.
Series Producer Sinead Hughes, said:
“These are more ordinary people doing extraordinary jobs in the most challenging of times. Once again, the professions we have highlighted are the unsung heroes of that time. I was honoured that the ladies and gents we interviewed spoke so openly and honestly about their experiences, given that many have long since retired from their profession, and who in some cases were revisiting memories long hidden. Stories and memories from all the groups we spoke to were wrapped up in an immense pride in their colleagues, their professionalism, dignity and camaraderie during very difficult and trying circumstances. I would encourage everyone to tune in, be that people who lived in Northern Ireland during that time, or indeed our younger generation who gladly did not have to experience life in that time.”
The next episode features Press Photographers and airs on Thursday 13 May at 10.45pm.
Viewers can catch up on previous episodes:
