2024 Winners & Judges Comments
News Team of the Year (Over 1.5m TSA) - West Yorkshire News Team – Bauer Media Audio
The judges admired a small team who were happy to leave the newsroom, and able to make difficult issues accessible. Their submission included a memorable and life-affirming piece of radio to celebrate 75 years of the NHS when the reporter returned to Leeds general Infirmary with her 5 year old son who'd been born prematurely. It also included a look at housing, mental health help for children, knife crime and Kevin Sinfield finishing his 7 in 7 marathon challenge. This team has created some lively and exciting audio and were deserved winners.
The judges admired a small team who were happy to leave the newsroom, and able to make difficult issues accessible. Their submission included a memorable and life-affirming piece of radio to celebrate 75 years of the NHS when the reporter returned to Leeds general Infirmary with her 5 year old son who'd been born prematurely. It also included a look at housing, mental health help for children, knife crime and Kevin Sinfield finishing his 7 in 7 marathon challenge. This team has created some lively and exciting audio and were deserved winners.
News Team of the Year (Under 1.5m TSA) - North Yorkshire News Team - Bauer Media Audio
A creative, innovative news team who aren’t afraid to do things differently, who ask challenging questions and who investigate the stories that matter to their audience. This entry showcased some imaginative ideas for bringing stories to life, and the team really know and understand the community they serve. Local news at its best.
Best News Story or Coverage - The Murder of Brianna Ghey – Global’s Newsroom North West
This was a strong example of storytelling; taking you to the scene with use of natural sound, interviews and explaining complex legal issues with first-rate court reporting.
The entry showed how the station followed the story and stuck with it.”
Reporter of the Year (National) - Charlotte Lynch – LBC & LBC News
Charlotte’s reporting on domestic abuse was powerful and considered while her work on the missing inmate was sharp and engaging. She also provided clear and up to date analysis on the Croydon stabbing including interviews with key witnesses. An impressive entry which demonstrated an excellent ability to handle both breaking news and original storytelling.
Reporter of the Year (Regional) - Alan Zycinski – Global’s Newsroom Scotland
In what was a highly competitive field, Alan demonstrated an exceptional ability to report both significant news events on patch and create exclusive journalism. His ability to report on a wide variety of stories – including political upheaval in Scotland - whilst also producing original content makes Alan a worthy winner of this award.
Best Sports Coverage - Ange Out, Brendan In: Celtic’s Rollercoaster Summer - Clyde 1
Clyde was right on top of this story, and very committed to covering sport in their area in a big way. The team showcases important stories to their audience with a good range of journalism and audio.
Best News Special or campaign - Face the Family – North West News Team, Bauer Media Audio
An outstanding example of a radio team reacting to reflect the views of its listeners and making a difference. Launched in response to the outrage after Olivia Pratt-Korbel's murdered refused to face her family at sentencing, the campaign succeeded in gaining the support of the Prime Minister and a change to the law being included in the King's Speech.
Best Interview - The Knock - Global’s Newsroom East
This was an outstanding piece of journalism, raising awareness of an unreported issue – the trauma faced by families when a loved one is arrested and convicted of child sex offences. It was clear the reporter had worked hard to gain the trust of the interviewee who spoke with great bravery and honesty about the emotional and mental challenges - plus the associated stigma she had to deal with.
Newsreader of the Year (National) - Aileen O’Sullivan – Bauer Media Audio
Aileen displays real craft in her bulletins – with great scripting, creative use of audio and story selection to suit the output and the station’s target audience. Her pace is perfect and her interactions with the presenters add a nice touch. Aileen has a superb voice and excellent presentation style which held the judges’ attention throughout.
Newsreader of the Year (Regional) - Micky Welch – Metro Radio, Bauer Media Audio
Micky is a breath of fresh air, with a unique style oozing personality with his memorable and passionate approach to news reading and storytelling. You can’t help but feel engaged and listen with a smile on your face. He tackles scripts and audio with creativity but is also able to adapt his tone superbly when the situation requires. A brilliant all-rounder.
Newcomer of the Year - Olivia Célina Davies - North West News Team, Bauer Media Audio
Olivia’s reporting drips with atmosphere, enthusiasm, and personality. Her voice and delivery demand attention, whether she is reporting on Eurovision or the most serious of court cases. Olivia takes the listener with her on her journey, talking to them in language they understand. This entry was full of immersive reporting and was a triumph of storytelling.
Student Journalist of the Year Supported by the BJTC - Vanessa Igoe – City, University of London
Vanessa's original and well-constructed entry about LGBTQ+ students in boarding school explored uncomfortable themes with excellent case studies and a solid narrative flow. It was packed with detail, smartly produced and covered some interesting perspectives. A deserving winner in this category.