Robert Lilley (newspaper editor)
Robert Hugh Lilley OBE (4 December 1938 – 9 February 2023) was a Northern Irish journalist and newspaper editor, best known for serving as the editor of the Belfast Telegraph from 1974 to 1992, especially during The Troubles.[1][2]
Biography
[edit]Born in Belfast, Lilley was the only son of Hugh Lilley, a security guard, and Martha Lilley (née McMeekin).[1][3] After the early death of his mother, he was raised by his father and stepmother Sarah (née Gilbert).[3] He attended Larne Grammar School and began his journalism career at the Larne Times in 1957 before transferring to the Belfast Telegraph in 1959.[1][3]
From 1962 to 1964, Lilley served as political correspondent for the Belfast Telegraph.[3] Between 1965 and 1967, he was Westminster lobby correspondent for Thomson Regional Newspapers.[3] Returning to Belfast, he rose through the editorial ranks, serving as leader writer, assistant editor, deputy editor, and eventually editor from 1974 to 1992.[3]
On September 17, 1976, the Belfast Telegraph offices were targeted in a bomb attack by the Provisional IRA, resulting in the death of one staff member and injuries to several others.[1][3] Despite extensive damage to the building, Lilley led the production of an emergency four-page edition the next day, known informally as the "Penny Marvel."[3] The incident demonstrated the paper's commitment to continuing publication amid difficult conditions.[3]
During his career, Lilley was actively involved in promoting dialogue between unionist and nationalist communities, hosting figures from various political backgrounds at Belfast Telegraph events.[3] He retired from the paper in 1998, coinciding with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. He received an OBE in 1998, an honour he accepted after his retirement.[3]
Personal life
[edit]Lilley was married to Georgie (née Bell) and had two daughters.[3]
Awards and recognition
[edit]In 1977, Lilley received the Golden Pen of Freedom award from the International Federation of Newspaper Publishers for his commitment to press freedom during the Troubles.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Roy Lilley: courageous editor of Belfast Telegraph during worst of the Troubles". The Irish Times.
- ^ "Roy Lilley – decades ahead of his time as a journalist and a man of integrity". February 10, 2023 – via www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Roy Lilley obituary". www.thetimes.com. March 18, 2023.