Compere of the first Jacob's Television Awards Harry Thuillier, announces the final award of the night. Charles Mitchel the first man to read the news on Irish television receives his award. In his acceptance speech he quips,"This is the nicest bit of news I have ever received."

He goes on to thank all of the people who put the news programmes together. On leaving the stage he is congratulated by the Taoiseach, Sean Lemass.

Charles Mitchel read the first news bulletin on Irish television on the opening night of Telefís Éireann 31 December 1961. He remained incredibly popular with viewers throughout his career.

Charles Mitchel retired after reading his last news programme on 8 November 1984.

The Jacob's Awards were for many years given for contributions to radio and television. Jacob's a biscuit manufacturer sponsored the awards from 1962 to 1993.

The extract here is from the first Jacob's Television Awards broadcast 8 December 1962.

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