Three Leeds Trinity graduates named in reputable list of top radio talent

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Three alumnae of Leeds Trinity University, Sophie Merrick, Charlotte Swift and Katie Haseldine, have been named in the ReelWorld Radio Academy’s 30 under 30 list 2023.

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Released annually, the 30 under 30 list celebrates skilled individuals under the age of 30 working in the UK radio and audio sector. Those who have best demonstrated exceptional tenacity, talent and a proven trajectory in radio and audio are included. The achievement is widely regarded as a great honour for young radio professionals, with many who have previously made the list going on to hold senior leadership roles in the industry. 

Since graduating from Leeds Trinity, Sophie, Charlotte and Katie have enjoyed successful careers in radio. Sophie, a 2015 Journalism graduate, is now the News Editor for Bauer Media’s stations across the North West of England, as well as a newsreader on bulletins that are broadcast across Merseyside and Greater Manchester. 

Charlotte, who graduated from the Broadcast Journalism course in 2016, is the Producer of the Stumped Podcast for the BBC World Service, an Assistant Producer of Test Match Special for BBC Radio 5 Live and the Presenter of The Cricket Show on BBC Radio York and BBC Radio Humberside. 

Katie, the most recent graduate of the trio having completed the MA Journalism degree in 2018, is now a part of BBC Radio 4’s ‘Across the UK’ team, working on the Today programme and the PM programme, BBC Radio 4’s long-running early evening news and current affairs show. In 2022, Katie also won gold in the Grassroots Award at the ARIAS (Audio and Radio Industry Awards) after producing and presenting United Against Knife Crime for BBC Radio Merseyside. 

In recent years, Charlotte and Katie have returned to Leeds Trinity to speak at the University’s annual flagship Journalism and Media Week event, discussing their careers and offering advice to current students who hope to follow in their footsteps. Journalism and Media Week brings some of the most talented and well-respected people in the industry to the University’s Main Campus in Horsforth and provides students with a valuable opportunity to hear from experts and learn about what it takes to work in today’s Journalism and Media industries. 

Nathan Kelly, Head of School of Digital Screen and Media at Leeds Trinity University, said: “It is brilliant to see three graduates of Leeds Trinity University featured on the Radio Academy’s 30 under 30 list. Journalism courses at Leeds Trinity, which are ranked second in the UK, consistently produce high-quality graduates who go on to make a real impact in the media industry, just as Sophie, Charlotte and Katie are doing now. I offer huge congratulations to the three of them on their fantastic achievement and wish them continued success in their careers.” 

Darren Harper, Senior Lecturer in Journalism at Leeds Trinity University, said: “The Centre for Journalism at Leeds Trinity University are all so proud of our three amazing alumnae being recognised. It’s no surprise to us that Charlotte, Sophie and Katie are smashing it in the industry.” 

For more information on Journalism degrees at Leeds Trinity University, visit the website. 

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