Two Salford students nominated for BBC Today Programme awards

Third year BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism student Ellie Kemp has earned a place in the Student Journalist of the Year category. Nominees for the coveted award were hand-picked by a panel of BBC executives including Editor of the Today programme Sarah Sands, Editorial Director Kamal Ahmed, Development Director Katie Lloyd and Head of Talent Daniell Morrisey.

On entering the award, Nottingham-born Ellie said: “We were required to submit a selection of our best work – I am really interested in music and health so entered some pieces that showcased my passions.”

“Studying at MediaCityUK means you’re surrounded by broadcasting giants like BBC and ITV. You can’t help but feel inspired by that. During my degree I’ve had so many great opportunities for work experience – two weeks at BBC Radio 5 Live being a real highlight.”

Also up for an award is graduate George Haigh who studied Journalism at Master’s level at Salford. He has been nominated in the Student Broadcaster of the Year 2019 category, selected by Today Presenter Mishal Husain and Author and Columnist Matthew Parris. Radio enthusiast George submitted three sound packages in his application, including a piece he compiled on Greater Manchester’s Green Summit 2019 back in May.

George, who since graduating has landed a role at Global Radio, said: “It’s a great feeling to be nominated and I’m looking forward to heading down to London for the awards.”

“I’m really interested in music, culture, sport and the environment so I tend to focus my packages around subjects I’m drawn to. It’s great that my work is being recognised for such a prestigious award.”

Paul Broster, Director of Journalism at the University of Salford said: “We are absolutely delighted for Ellie and George that the Today Programme has recognised their talent. Their nominations again show the strength and quality we have built over many years now in our accredited undergraduate and postgraduate journalism programmes at MediaCityUK.”

Sarah Sands, Editor of the Today Programme and chair of the judges, said: “The future of the Today programme depends on the intelligence, curiosity and integrity that we are discovering in our universities. We are so cheered by the standard of entries for the Today programme student media awards. This is progress in action and I am impatient to see this new generation of journalism on our show.”

It is not the first time a student from the University’s School of Arts and Media has been nominated for the awards. Last year Broadcast Journalism graduate Nikola Bartosova scooped the Student Broadcaster of the Year 2018 prize after submitting a moving report on how people live with chronic health disorders.

The winners of the award will be announced at a ceremony in the BBC's Radio Theatre in London next week on 28 October 2019.