Donna Traynor resigns from BBC Northern Ireland with immediate effect

One of BBC Northern Ireland’s longest-serving TV presenters, Donna Traynor, has announced on social media that she has resigned from the corporation, with immediate effect.

The Lisburn-born presenter said that she could not take questions about the reasons for her departure, due to ongoing legal proceedings.

It is with deep sadness that, after almost 33 years, I am leaving the job that I love and resigning from BBC Northern Ireland with immediate effect.

Because this is the subject of ongoing Employment Tribunal and other legal proceedings, I am not able to respond to any questions or comments about my reasons for leaving the organisation.

Donna Traynor (Twitter)

A BBC Northern Ireland spokesman said: “We do not comment on individual staff matters.”

Donna has worked for the BBC since 1989, initially presenting news bulletins on the radio before moving across to television as a news presenter. She has also presented Country Times, local Children in Need programmes and coverage of the Balmoral Show.

Donna was off air for a number of months last year. The local press reported that she underwent surgery in October 2020. She returned to local screens at the end of the year.

However, she had been absent from the airwaves again this year, for a number of months.

Many current and former colleagues took to social media to pay tribute to the presenter:

Donna, I had the pleasure of working with you and BBC NI in the early 90s, I just want to say thank you for being a wonderful colleague and a role model to so many. I wish you well in the future and in your dealings with the BBC. Thank you for all you have done.

Kevin MacDermott (@Kevmacd)

So sad to read this, you were a constant presence when I was growing up watching the news and getting to work with you was a privilege. Take care.

Jayne McCormack (@BBCJayneMcC)

Very sad to read this Donna. I always loved your professionalism and wisdom. A huge loss. It was a privilege to work with you. Take care of yourself. X

Claire Noble (@clairenoble_)

So sorry to see this Donna. You’re an incredible professional and journalist. Best wishes and look forward to seeing your work again soon!

Richard Chambers (@newschambers)

Very sorry to hear this Donna. Stay well. Stay strong. Alex : )

Alex Kane (@AlexKane221b)

Very sorry to hear this Donna. You’re a great journalist and a joy to work with. I imagine there will be another chapter of your career very soon.

Declan Lawn (@DecLawn)

I was so incredibly sad and sorry to hear this news – you will be missed so very much. Take care and good luck xx

Louise Cullen (@LouiseMCullen)

So sorry to hear this, Donna. When we were colleagues many years ago you were a delight to work with. You are a true professional the BBC can ill afford to lose. I wish you strength and every success in the period ahead.

Martin O’Brien (@MartinOBrienCom)

I’m sorry to see this Donna. You are a true professional, supremely talented journalist & a genuinely lovely person to boot! You patiently sat with me for my first few Newsline broadcasts and I count myself lucky to have been taught by the best. Every good wish for your future.

Alison Comyn (@alisoncomyn)

Am so very sorry, Donna. You were always a kind and supportive colleague and a fine journalist. Take care of yourself, Korky

Noreen Erskine (@NErskine1)

This is how BBC Newsline reported the story this evening.

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