GMG's Real Radio stations are leading the way at this year's IRN Journalism Awards with a total of six nominations. Real Radio Wales and Real Radio Yorkshire are both nominated for best news programme, competing against Radio City and Town 102, Ipswich – nominated for its coverage of the Suffolk murders.
The nominees for scoop of the year include Radio Forth for their revelation that Scotland's First MinisterJack McConnell was refusing to support England in the World Cup. Also in the running for the title is Kiss 101 for its story on racial inclusion, Mercury FM for their scoop on rogue Gatwick airport parking and TFM's "Boro in Bother".
The contribution award – bestowed to the station that has sent the most stories to the IRN network for use nationally – is this year between Clyde FM, Key 103, Real Radio Scotland and Rock FM.
IRN editor Jon Godel said: "This year has seen a huge rise in the number of entries for the UK's only radio Journalism awards. It once again proves that quality journalism is alive and well in commercial radio."
A cash prize and trophy will be awarded in each of the categories at a special ceremony in London on April 12th, 2007.
The full shortlist is;
Best Sports Coverage
GCAP Sport – 2006 Champions League Final
Key 103 – Fergie's Years
Radio City – FA Cup final 2006, FA Cup homecoming
Real Radio Yorkshire – Sheffield United's path to the Premiership
Best Funny Story
Hallam FM – T.C. The Amazing Cat
Radio Forth – Pigeons in Parliament
Real Radio Yorkshire – Crazy Italian Woman
XFM – My Bare Lady
Scoop of the Year
Kiss 101 – Racial Inclusion
Mercury FM – Rogue Gatwick Airport Parking
Radio Forth – Jack McConnell refuses to support England in the World Cup
TFM – Boro in Bother
Young Journalist of the Year
Will Barkway – Invicta FM
Hannah Barnes – Mercury FM
Jim Pusey – Brunel FM
Ray Sadri – Beacon Radio
News Reporter of the Year
Colin Mackay- Radio Forth
John Pickford – Key 103
James Webster – Real Radio Yorkshire
Siobhan Robbins – Viking FM
Best News Programme
Radio City – Magic at 6
Real Radio Wales – 40th anniversary of Aberfan
Real Radio Yorkshire – Websafe
Town 102, Ipswich – The Suffolk murders
Best News Coverage
SGR FM
Key 103 / Magic 1152
Rother FM
Kiss 101
Newsreader of the Year
Jason Beck Wave 105
Giulia Bould – Radio City
Howard Hughes 102.2 Smooth FM
Kevin Pashby – BRMB
IRN Contribution Award
Clyde FM
Key 103
Real Radio Scotland
Rock FM
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