With 45+ years reporting for the Belfast Telegraph and UTV, Ivan Little has become synonymous with nuanced coverage of Northern Ireland’s journey from conflict to fragile peace. His current work focuses on:
Little seeks stories that:
“Real peace journalism doesn’t avoid hard truths—it contextualizes them within our shared humanity.”
We explore the distinguished career of Ivan Little, a journalist whose work has intricately documented Northern Ireland’s Troubles, cultural evolution, and artistic renaissance. With over four decades in journalism and acting, Little’s unique dual expertise offers a multifaceted lens into the region’s identity.
Beginning at The Portadown Times in the 1970s, Little’s early reporting focused on community stories before transitioning to broadcast journalism with UTV in 1980. His tenure at Good Evening Ulster and UTV Live positioned him as a trusted voice during the Troubles, covering over 2,000 conflict-related events. Post-2009 freelance work allowed deeper exploration of cultural themes, notably through collaborations with the Belfast Telegraph.
This critique of Jez Butterworth’s The Ferryman demonstrates Little’s ability to dissect Troubles-themed art through local expertise. His analysis contrasts international acclaim with regional critics’ reservations, highlighting how theatrical representations often simplify complex histories. The piece underscores Little’s belief that art about the conflict must balance dramatic license with historical fidelity.
“Plays about the Troubles—like The Ferryman—often cause division, much like the conflict itself. What resonates in London often rings hollow in Belfast.”
Little’s 2005 memoir provides unprecedented access to a journalist’s perspective during Northern Ireland’s darkest years. The work details his methodology: building trust across communities while maintaining rigorous objectivity. Of particular note are passages detailing the ethical challenges of reporting on paramilitary funerals, where journalists balanced respect for mourners with factual reporting requirements.
As co-editor, Little curated 70 first-person accounts from journalists who covered the conflict. This seminal work preserves oral histories while analyzing how media practices evolved from 1969–1998. The collection reveals how reporters developed unique safety protocols and ethical frameworks in the absence of modern trauma support systems.
Little consistently engages with initiatives that document Northern Ireland’s transitional justice process. His coverage of the Disappeared victims’ identification process demonstrates particular interest in forensic archaeology’s role in historical reconciliation. Pitches could involve:
Having starred in Martin Lynch’s The History of the Troubles (according to my Da), Little favors productions that challenge simplistic narratives. Successful pitches might highlight:
Little’s editing of Reporting the Troubles 2 reveals deep interest in journalistic practice. Relevant pitches include:
Little received seven awards between 1985–2005, particularly for investigative pieces exposing collusion between security forces and paramilitaries. These accolades cemented his reputation for rigor during periods of intense political pressure on journalists.
Awarded in 2012, this recognized Little’s unique contribution to documenting Northern Ireland’s cultural rebirth. The selection committee noted his “ability to make arts reporting accessible without sacrificing intellectual depth.”
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Culture, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
