2018 Winners
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IRN Gold Award
Sandy Warr is the winner of the 2018 IRN Gold Award.
Sandy has worked in the industry for more than 30 years having started at Radio Mercury in Surrey and Sussex in 1984. She presented Capital’s flagship ‘The Way It Is’ news programme, worked on the Chris Tarrant breakfast show and went on to stints at Talk Radio, LBC, Classic Gold, Smooth and Absolute Radio. Sandy is currently the breakfast news presenter on talkRADIO and can also be heard delivering the news on Magic 105.4 and Mellow Magic. She is also passing on her solid editorial and presentation skills to the next generation of radio journalists, as a Visiting Lecturer at City University of London.
IRN Gold Award
Sandy Warr is the winner of the 2018 IRN Gold Award.
Sandy has worked in the industry for more than 30 years having started at Radio Mercury in Surrey and Sussex in 1984. She presented Capital’s flagship ‘The Way It Is’ news programme, worked on the Chris Tarrant breakfast show and went on to stints at Talk Radio, LBC, Classic Gold, Smooth and Absolute Radio. Sandy is currently the breakfast news presenter on talkRADIO and can also be heard delivering the news on Magic 105.4 and Mellow Magic. She is also passing on her solid editorial and presentation skills to the next generation of radio journalists, as a Visiting Lecturer at City University of London.
News Team of the Year (Over 1m TSA)
Global's Newsroom West
The entry demonstrated commendable variety in terms of story range, versatility in terms of story treatments and a real commitment to their audience. What also pleased the judges was that this news team treated social media as a news source rather than simply another platform to pump news out. They also shared with us a sense of breaking news which, coupled with formidable energy, enthusiasm and team work made Global West a worthy winner.
Global's Newsroom West
The entry demonstrated commendable variety in terms of story range, versatility in terms of story treatments and a real commitment to their audience. What also pleased the judges was that this news team treated social media as a news source rather than simply another platform to pump news out. They also shared with us a sense of breaking news which, coupled with formidable energy, enthusiasm and team work made Global West a worthy winner.
News Team of the Year (Under 1m TSA)
Radio Aire News
The news team at Radio Aire knows its audience, knows its patch and knows how to find, tell and develop stories with flair and creativity. Their “problem shared” campaign was a great example of the power of radio news to make a real difference. A difficult subject that was well researched, and presented with real depth and sensitivity. The coverage of the car crash in which 5 young people died was outstanding. The team stuck with the story through every development and their dedication paid off. Smart reporting and superb interviews made this a compelling listen. An excellent entry and a well-deserved win for Radio Aire.
Radio Aire News
The news team at Radio Aire knows its audience, knows its patch and knows how to find, tell and develop stories with flair and creativity. Their “problem shared” campaign was a great example of the power of radio news to make a real difference. A difficult subject that was well researched, and presented with real depth and sensitivity. The coverage of the car crash in which 5 young people died was outstanding. The team stuck with the story through every development and their dedication paid off. Smart reporting and superb interviews made this a compelling listen. An excellent entry and a well-deserved win for Radio Aire.
Best News Special or Feature
Alice Ruggles: A Stalking Investigation - Global's Newsroom North East
This story was at the heart of a campaign which was successful in changing police procedure around stalking and harassment. Sensitive interviews with those who knew Alice were interspersed with police interviews to give a strong account of the horrific details of her murder, and convey the changes in the way this crime is now recorded.
Alice Ruggles: A Stalking Investigation - Global's Newsroom North East
This story was at the heart of a campaign which was successful in changing police procedure around stalking and harassment. Sensitive interviews with those who knew Alice were interspersed with police interviews to give a strong account of the horrific details of her murder, and convey the changes in the way this crime is now recorded.
Reporter of the Year
Connor Gillies - Global's Newsroom Scotland
Connor is a talented and inquisitive journalist who demonstrates an impressive ability to deliver compelling radio content on a wide variety of stories. What made him stand out was his original journalism, notably the incredible story of child sex workers in Glasgow. Connor followed the story through by presenting his findings to police alongside some sensitive questioning and engaging reportage. His quick thinking on the Grenfell story also led to some national pick up of his video footage at the Kensington council meeting. He consistently delivers stories with gravitas and a sense of urgency on a broad spectrum of topics, as well as asking poignant and relevant questions to prominent politicians.
Connor Gillies - Global's Newsroom Scotland
Connor is a talented and inquisitive journalist who demonstrates an impressive ability to deliver compelling radio content on a wide variety of stories. What made him stand out was his original journalism, notably the incredible story of child sex workers in Glasgow. Connor followed the story through by presenting his findings to police alongside some sensitive questioning and engaging reportage. His quick thinking on the Grenfell story also led to some national pick up of his video footage at the Kensington council meeting. He consistently delivers stories with gravitas and a sense of urgency on a broad spectrum of topics, as well as asking poignant and relevant questions to prominent politicians.
Best Sports Coverage
Tour de Yorkshire 2017 - Proper Sport
An excellent entry which brought the Tour de Yorkshire to life for those who love cycling and those who don’t. The coverage captured the passion for the area, provided commentary which was exciting and painted a clear picture, and featured a wide range of guest interviews from elite cyclists to locals.
Tour de Yorkshire 2017 - Proper Sport
An excellent entry which brought the Tour de Yorkshire to life for those who love cycling and those who don’t. The coverage captured the passion for the area, provided commentary which was exciting and painted a clear picture, and featured a wide range of guest interviews from elite cyclists to locals.
Campaigning Journalism Award
Don't Dance Alone - The Wave and Swansea Sound
An outstanding campaign to highlight age-related issues and how the elderly are treated by the younger generation. Great storytelling, compelling scripts and illuminating case study interviews, wrapped into a well-thought-out and focused campaign of special reports and news bulletins, not only on air on both stations, but also online. The campaign covered a lot of ground including dementia, abuse, scams and the power of music. There was a good call to action – go knock on a door and visit an elderly neighbour – and the campaign grabbed the attention of the Welsh Government who praised it.
Don't Dance Alone - The Wave and Swansea Sound
An outstanding campaign to highlight age-related issues and how the elderly are treated by the younger generation. Great storytelling, compelling scripts and illuminating case study interviews, wrapped into a well-thought-out and focused campaign of special reports and news bulletins, not only on air on both stations, but also online. The campaign covered a lot of ground including dementia, abuse, scams and the power of music. There was a good call to action – go knock on a door and visit an elderly neighbour – and the campaign grabbed the attention of the Welsh Government who praised it.
Best Interview
Nick Ferrari interviews Diane Abbott - LBC
Nick's interview with Labour's Diane Abbott proved to be one of the most news-making of the 2017 General Election. Nick represents the role of the listener and voter brilliantly in his questioning. At no point overly aggressive or accusatory, he simply tries to make sense of the numbers the Shadow Home Secretary is putting forward.
Nick Ferrari interviews Diane Abbott - LBC
Nick's interview with Labour's Diane Abbott proved to be one of the most news-making of the 2017 General Election. Nick represents the role of the listener and voter brilliantly in his questioning. At no point overly aggressive or accusatory, he simply tries to make sense of the numbers the Shadow Home Secretary is putting forward.
Newsreader of the Year (Over 1m TSA)
David Sanderson - Radio City
The judges were impressed by Dave’s ability to turn his hand to a breadth of stories, from detailed investigative work through to dealing sensitively with breaking news. Dave has a very clear delivery – with a friendly but authoritative tone – and each example of his work included a very good use of audio that allowed the reports and bulletins to breathe. It was clear from the additional material submitted that Dave has worked hard as a newsreader, to get out from behind the desk to delve into the fabric of the city.
David Sanderson - Radio City
The judges were impressed by Dave’s ability to turn his hand to a breadth of stories, from detailed investigative work through to dealing sensitively with breaking news. Dave has a very clear delivery – with a friendly but authoritative tone – and each example of his work included a very good use of audio that allowed the reports and bulletins to breathe. It was clear from the additional material submitted that Dave has worked hard as a newsreader, to get out from behind the desk to delve into the fabric of the city.
Newsreader of the Year (Under 1m TSA)
Sophie Merrick - Free Radio Coventry & Warwickshire
The judges were impressed with Sophie’s delivery – her live piece from the bowling alley gun siege is full of drama and urgency, yet she always sounds in control. Her bulletins are full of colour and really give the listener a sense of “being there”, while she shows versatility with a great scene setter, bursting with energy, from Wembley as Coventry City take on Oxford United. She also provides useful additional material on Twitter – videos and pictures – to support her strong audio.
Sophie Merrick - Free Radio Coventry & Warwickshire
The judges were impressed with Sophie’s delivery – her live piece from the bowling alley gun siege is full of drama and urgency, yet she always sounds in control. Her bulletins are full of colour and really give the listener a sense of “being there”, while she shows versatility with a great scene setter, bursting with energy, from Wembley as Coventry City take on Oxford United. She also provides useful additional material on Twitter – videos and pictures – to support her strong audio.
Newcomer of the Year
Patrick Hildred - Global's Newsroom East
Patrick always gives you the sense he has the inside track. His urgency and powers of description demand that you listen to what he has to say. His entry showed an assured use of sound, to make the audience appreciate the facts and emotions behind a story, whether that is the Grenfell Tower tragedy or a local policing issue. Patrick stands out as an outstanding all-round journalist who delivers in any situation.
Patrick Hildred - Global's Newsroom East
Patrick always gives you the sense he has the inside track. His urgency and powers of description demand that you listen to what he has to say. His entry showed an assured use of sound, to make the audience appreciate the facts and emotions behind a story, whether that is the Grenfell Tower tragedy or a local policing issue. Patrick stands out as an outstanding all-round journalist who delivers in any situation.
Student Journalist of the Year - Supported by the BJTC
Isabelle Tudor - University of Sheffield
Isabelle’s piece on festival drug testing was a good listen from start to finish and a topical subject to attack. She secured great access at the festival drug-testing lab, and some strong case studies in the form of the drug user and the mother who’d lost her child to drugs. Her scripting and use of natural sound in the drug lab carries through the piece well, but what impressed us the most was her balanced reporting and the way she challenged the festival organisers over their on-site drug testing.
Isabelle Tudor - University of Sheffield
Isabelle’s piece on festival drug testing was a good listen from start to finish and a topical subject to attack. She secured great access at the festival drug-testing lab, and some strong case studies in the form of the drug user and the mother who’d lost her child to drugs. Her scripting and use of natural sound in the drug lab carries through the piece well, but what impressed us the most was her balanced reporting and the way she challenged the festival organisers over their on-site drug testing.