Salford alumni trio shortlisted at 2025 Commercial Radio Awards

BA Journalism: Broadcast alumna Sophie Green has been shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year. Sophie graduated in 2023 and has since freelanced for Global, BBC Tees, and now works as a Reporter for Hits Radio North East.

Last year, fellow Salford alumna Olivia Celina Davies, won the Newcomer of the Year award for her work with Bauer Media's North West news team.

Sophie said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been nominated as newcomer of the year at the commercial radio awards. It still feels very surreal! I feel so proud that all the hard work over the last year as the North East reporter has been worthwhile. 

"I love my job and being part of the radio community, so to be recognised in the industry as a newcomer is very rewarding. "

Fellow Journalism: Broadcast alumna Charlotte Linnecar has been nominated for Reporter of the Year in their regional category. After graduating in 2022, Charlotte worked as a Multimedia News and Sports Reporter, before reaching her position as a Senior Reporter for Greatest Hits Radio Lincolnshire. 

During her time at Salford, Charlotte was also particularly involved with one of Salford's student radio stations, Shock Radio, as she took on the roles of producer, content creator and radio presenter and hosted a show called ‘Sounds of Salford.'

Charlotte said: “I am delighted and honoured to be nominated for Regional Reporter of the Year by the Commercial Radio News Awards. It reflects the incredible stories I have had the privilege to cover, and the powerful accounts of people that have shared their experiences with me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to shine a light on the things that matter most in our area.”

For Student Journalist of the Year, BA Journalism: Broadcast alumna Eleanor Hayns has been nominated for her work last year before graduating last July.

This nomination will only add to Ellie’s collection of accolades, after she won Broadcast Journalist of The Year and the Eleanor Haigh Third Year Student Award at the University's annual Journalism and PR Awards last year and was runner-up for Best Radio News Feature at the 2024 Broadcast Journalism Training Council Awards. 

In association with IRN and Sky News, the Commercial Radio News Awards hold 13 categories that acknowledge journalists across the UK and their work in commercial radio news and sport. 

IRN Editor and Chair of Judges, Dave Terris said: “Commercial radio journalists continue to provide engaging and impactful coverage of local, national and international news for a record number of listeners. Congratulations to all the nominees and thank you to all the judges for their expertise in reaching their decisions.”

Sky News presenter Niall Paterson announced the shortlist of nominees, with the lucky few winners to be announced at Sky Cinema at Sky’s West London HQ on Wednesday 26 March.