Presenter Tom Watts and journalist Claire Chambers from the Nottingham student station Fly FM have been named the winners of this year’s talent search by The Hits Radio.
The digital station teamed up with the Student Radio Association and What Goes On Media to offer industry opportunities to upcoming talent.
Tom, 20, won the presenting category and now wins a training course with What Goes On Media as well the chance to host four shows on The Hits Radio.
Paul Fernley, Programmes Manager at The Hits Radio, said: “The standard was so high this year in the competition, but Tom really impressed. At just 20, he’s shown a presenting style that goes beyond his years – whist having a young fresh voice. He’s set to have a great career ahead of him!”
Tom said: “I was absolutely stunned when my name was read out – I’m over the moon, I just can’t wait to get started!”
In the news presenting category, Claire Chambers – currently head of news at Fly FM – was selected as the winner. She receives a week’s training at Bauer’s news hub at Key 103 in Manchester and will read the news for The Hits Radio for an afternoon.
John Pickford, Head of News for Bauer in Manchester said: “Claire has a really exciting future ahead of her – she undertands how to produce relevant news for our target audience – and has a young relatable voice that’ll really connect – she’s going to sound great on-air!”
Claire added: “I’m so excited to come work at the station! This is a fantastic opportunity that I can’t wait to get stuck in to. It’s not really sunk in yet that I’ve won, I can’t believe it!”
Runners-up in the presenting category were Matthew Hemmaty from the University of Salford who came second, and Sean Thorne from Cardiff University who was third. Sam Willey from the University of Sunderland was runner-up in the journalism competition.
Posted on Tuesday, April 17th, 2012 at 3:56 pm by RadioToday UK