2022 Winners & Judges Comments
Gold Award - Lorraine Herbison - Bauer Media
An inspirational leader who has risen through the ranks as a result of her enormous talent, energy, enthusiasm and determination.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Lorraine Herbison moved to Glasgow almost 30 years ago to work in newspapers. She was later headhunted to join Radio Clyde as chief reporter before moving up the career ladder to her current role. Her personal achievements include commentating live from Sri Lanka when Glasgow won the bid to host the Commonwealth Games; broadcasting live from huge news events like the Clutha helicopter disaster in the city and co-hosting the overnight ‘Referendum Live’ show when Scotland voted against independence. She currently sits on the Board of Radio Clyde’s Cash for Kids and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council and has been instrumental in helping develop and nurture young talent in the industry.
An inspirational leader who has risen through the ranks as a result of her enormous talent, energy, enthusiasm and determination.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Lorraine Herbison moved to Glasgow almost 30 years ago to work in newspapers. She was later headhunted to join Radio Clyde as chief reporter before moving up the career ladder to her current role. Her personal achievements include commentating live from Sri Lanka when Glasgow won the bid to host the Commonwealth Games; broadcasting live from huge news events like the Clutha helicopter disaster in the city and co-hosting the overnight ‘Referendum Live’ show when Scotland voted against independence. She currently sits on the Board of Radio Clyde’s Cash for Kids and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council and has been instrumental in helping develop and nurture young talent in the industry.
News Team of the Year (Over 1.5m TSA) - Global's Newsroom South
This was the strongest entry in a very competitive field. Their Covid coverage was outstanding; - comprehensive and compassionate. This is also a team that still believes that getting out and into the middle of a story is the best way forward. It is.
This was the strongest entry in a very competitive field. Their Covid coverage was outstanding; - comprehensive and compassionate. This is also a team that still believes that getting out and into the middle of a story is the best way forward. It is.
News Team of the Year (Under 1.5m TSA) - MFR
A winning entry that showcased local radio news at its best – serving the audience with stories that really matter to the local community. Packed with interesting stories neatly told, the judges felt that MFR’s news team strives to know and understand its listeners and bring them a quality news service to be proud of.
Best News Story or Coverage - The Iron Men: A Radio City suicide special - Radio City
This was an innovative approach to covering an important story, brilliantly executed which had the judges hooked from the start. The use of audio, putting the audience of “Iron Men” at the centre of the story was incredibly powerful. The presenter was full of empathy and was passionate about changing Merseyside’s tragic suicide figures. The Crosby beach venue was very visual, but the soundscape created gave you a real sense of place and the purpose of gathering the survivors at the site of Sir Anthony Gormley’s statues. This was positive radio that identified a problem, got testimony from those affected and brought solutions. Top class coverage of a difficult story.
Reporter of the Year (Over 1.5m TSA) - Charlotte Sullivan - Global's Newsroom East
Charlotte is a brilliant and empathetic story teller. Not afraid to ask tricky questions, her entry felt original with really compelling voices. Her reporting on post lockdown children was powerful and personal, a genuinely great listen. She captures the mood of a story perfectly - a combination of trustworthy and absorbing. Investigative journalism at its best – Charlotte’s exclusive on Covid testing scams in Spain was a compelling listen - leaving the listener in no doubt. This was a great entry and the judges unanimously felt Charlotte deserved to win.
Reporter of the Year (Under 1.5m TSA) - Matthew Hutchinson - Greatest Hits Radio Swindon
Matt’s reporting style is full of energy and keeps the listener engaged throughout. He delivers the news with a friendly voice and ensures his reports are full of description and colour. He puts a big focus on his local audience and illustrates his pieces with a good range of audio. In addition to his on-air reports, Matt always ensures his stories are adapted for digital, and creates bespoke pieces for the online audience.
Best Sports Coverage - GameDay Exclusive - talkSPORT
A first-class example of storytelling. Difficult issues are explored and explained with sensitivity, gravity and authority. The production values are high with fantastic use of audio and effects. The interviews are compelling with important questions asked and tough subjects tackled. Each individual package, interview and commentary is compiled with great care, detail and knowledge - a fantastic listen.
Best News Special or campaign - The Iron Men: A Radio City suicide special - Radio City
Radio City’s Mick Coyle is the producer and presenter of this year’s standout winner in the category. This was confident and compelling storytelling that produced a memorable moment that went beyond excellent radio. It demonstrated a real commitment to take a difficult issue and tackle it in an accessible way.
Best Interview - Conversion Therapy: Pete and Jeremy's stories - Hit Radio UK Network
Emotional, fascinating and jaw-dropping accounts of gay conversion therapy in the past which would have had a massive impact on today's younger audiences. Judges were stopped in their tracks by this outstanding entry. A very well-deserved winner.
Newsreader of the Year (Over 1.5m TSA) - Louise Easton - Greatest Hits Radio London
Louise is an impressive, creative, engaging newsreader. She clearly knows her target audience and delivers relatable bulletins with power and punch. Her natural presentation flows seamlessly from story to story. A mix of authority and confidence alongside a flair for presentation makes for compelling bulletins. She is at the top of her game when choosing standout audio and knows how to grab the listener by the ear.
Newsreader of the Year (Under 1.5m TSA) - Matt Maddren - Free Radio
A pacy start, Matt is excellent at telling his listeners why Coventry deserves to be celebrated as City of Culture and his ‘on location style’ offers authenticity and colour. Matt does a great job on the win for Coventry City, capturing the joy by reporting from the stands. In a world dominated by bad news, it was great to listen to a bulletin full of uplift as well as Ed Sheeran and the theme tune to Doctor Who!
Newcomer of the Year - Caitlin Hutchison - Global's Newsroom Scotland
Caitlin is a hugely impressive young journalist who delivers confident and authoritative bulletins as well as lively on-scene reporting.
Her work at the COP climate conference and during the Euros has already shown massive promise.
BJTC Student Journalist of the Year - Oliver McManus - Bournemouth University
Excellent use of exclusively sourced data that shines a light on the huge numbers of students accessing mental health support. Oliver’s intelligent scripting is spot on but it’s his powerful interviews that lay bare the sheer scale of the issue. A really good pay off too that looks to the future – and whilst acknowledging the importance of the data, it’s the real-life stories that in Oliver’s words, shape the conversation moving forward.