GMG Radio takes lead in IRN Awards nominations

The Guardian Media Group's (GMG) radio division has secured the highest number of nominations in this year's Independent Radio News (IRN) Awards, which recognise the work of commercial radio journalists around the UK.

GMG Radio received eight nominations this morning for the awards, which will be held in London on 27 March.

The news comes at an uncertain time for many of the group's journalists, who learned two weeks ago that GMG Radio plans to scale back its news operation, cutting about a third of its 40 journalists and concentrating on peak listening hours.

The group, which owns Real Radio and Smooth Radio, expects the consultation period and restructuring to be completed by March.

GMG Radio's north-west team, based in Salford, are nominated for best news team, alongside Manchester rivals Key 103 and Touch Radio in the Midlands.

The nominations for newsreader of the year are Corrie Martin (Real Radio Scotland), Paul Lockitt (Key 103) and Lucy Coward (Classic FM).

The awards are organised by IRN, the national provider of news bulletins and audio to the commercial radio industry, which is owned by Sky News.

IRN managing director Tim Molloy said in today's announcement: "These nominations prove that commercial radio news is full of bright, talented and enthusiastic people who can match the BBC for quality, whilst proving themselves to be extremely resourceful at the same time."

Chairman of the judges Louise Hastings added: "The panel has been truly impressed by the high standards of writing, reporting and news reading, and these nominations prove that quality journalism is alive and thriving in commercial radio."

At the ceremony next month, judges will also reveal the winner of the IRN gold award, which goes to an individual, team or station that has made an "outstanding contribution to news".

The full list of nominees can be found on the IRN Awards website.

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