Mike was a continuity announcer and news presenter on BBC Northern Ireland TV and radio in the 1970s and early 1980s.
In September 1983, Kerr read the late-night local news on BBC One Northern Ireland while “the worse for wear”. Colleagues reportedly offered to read the headlines for him that night, but he barricaded himself into the continuity suite.
The incident cost him his job.
BBC probes news row
A BBC Northern Ireland newscaster is facing possible disciplinary action following his presentation of the late-night television news.
Newsreader Michael Kerr is under investigation by BBC chiefs after the allegedly “incoherent” manner in which he read the closedown news summary on Wednesday night.
The switchboard at Broadcasting House was jammed with callers following the three-minute broadcast. Some of the calls were humorous, others irate.
Belfast Newsletter (Friday 9th September 1983)
Comment
Mr Kerr was not available for comment last night.
A BBC spokesman said: “The matter is under investigation, but an announcement may not be made for a number of days.”
BBC bosses yesterday watched a videotape of the news and weather round-up. Mr Kerr’s face did not appear on the screen during the broadcast.
One viewer: “It was embarrassing, but annoying because it was hard to hear what was being said at times.”
Belfast Newsletter (Friday 9th September 1983)
On Tuesday 19th November 2019, Mike’s body was discovered at his home by neighbours. He was killed in a “vicious, sustained and violent beating” according to police.
Personal information
Clips of Mike on The TV Room
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Online presence
Acknowledgements
PICTURED: Mike Kerr. SUPPLIED BY: The TV Room. COPYRIGHT: Unknown.
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