Radio Stars Host Nations and Regions Media Conference

Katie and Jordan will introduce a packed day of showcases, discussions and debates under the strapline Radio For The 21^st Century.

The Nations and Regions Media Conference, being held on 19^th April at the University’s MediaCityUK campus, next door to ITV, dock 10 and many independent production companies, will focus on radio and audio production outside London, covering music, documentaries, drama, and other genres.

Broadcasters taking part in the event include BBC Radio 2, Radio Ulster, Audible and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

Katie graduated with a BA Honours in English and Creative Writing from the University of Salford before going on to present children’s television and then Radio 1’s Life Hacks.

Katie said: “I’m extremely excited to be hosting the Nations and Regions Media Conference this year. It’s such a great conference that supports the industry around the UK and it’s wonderful that this year’s event will focus on radio – the quiet success story of UK media.”

Jordan North added: “Radio production is certainly changing and hearing about some of the fabulous radio programmes that are being made around the country will provide an excellent platform for discussion and debates to flourish and lead the way.”

The conference, now in its 24^th year, was started by Granada Television Chairman David Plowright and the University of Salford as a platform for the media industry outside the capital, and has become a regular fixture in the media calendar, consistently attracting key industry figures nationally and internationally.

Last year’s event featured keynotes from then Culture Secretary Karen Bradley MP, who made a high profile announcement about the future Channel 4, Ofcom Chief Executive Sharon White, who made a key speech introducing new regulation, and film director Paul Greengrass.

This year’s conference will feature ITV presenter Lucy Meacock presenting the first ever Ray Fitzwalter Award – a £4,000 cash prize for the best investigative journalism outside London.

Beth Hewitt, Director of Nations and Regions Media Conference at the University of Salford said, “There will be high profile keynote speeches and of course the return of the popular Meet the Commissioners sessions, where independent producers from around the UK get to discuss their ideas with leading media industry.

 “We are delighted that Katie Thistleton and Jordan North will be hosting the 24^th Nations and Regions Media Conference.”

More details about sessions will be unveiled in coming weeks via the press and our website.

To book tickets please go here.