Journalism students scoop gold award for local elections coverage

30 October 2025

Student journalists from the University of Northampton who covered West Northamptonshire Council’s elections have won a national radio award for their coverage.

The students, representing Northampton’s local radio NLive Radio, won the Gold award for Elections & Political Coverage of the Year at the 2025 Community Radio Awards.

The award-winning ‘VOTE WNC’ entry was for the coverage of the West Northamptonshire local elections count back in May which saw Multimedia Journalism and Multimedia Sports Journalism students from the University of Northampton produce and present a 6 hour show that was broadcast on NLive Radio alongside rolling social media coverage which declared when Reform UK had taken control of the council.

“On the train journey over, the six of us were constantly hoping that we were going to win gold. Even in the five minutes before heading into the venue, we all had our fingers crossed. But when it was announced, we sat for a couple of seconds in shock because it felt very surreal.

“Covering the election was a lot of hard work. We sat in small groups doing as much research on different wards, councillors and political parties as possible, so we had everything covered. And we were so glad we did. It was so much fun. I cannot wait to do more live coverages.”BA Multimedia Journalism student Justine Sawford

Working under the guidance of University of Northampton Senior Lecturers in Journalism, Kate Ironside, Hilary Scott, Adrian Warner and Station Manager Rebecca Steers, the student team split roles to ensure full coverage. Some reporters were based at the count itself, while others supported the council’s media team during one of their busiest times of the year.

“I’d like to congratulate all the students on winning this well-deserved national award. Their hard work at the elections count was apparent to everyone who attended, not just their excellent reporting on the results as they came in but also in lending their support to our media team on what proved to be an extremely busy day and eventful day and evening.”

Anna Earnshaw, Returning Officer for West Northamptonshire’s elections and WNC Chief Executive

“It’s always wonderful to hear of young people being recognised with a national award for their commitments to their studies and academic development. Their contribution and support to the media team at the election count was most welcome, and as a council we will absolutely continue to encourage young people to thrive to become leaders in their field.”Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of WNC

"This was a fabulous opportunity for the students to put their learning into practice. By delivering a comprehensive, engaging live programme of the results of this extraordinary election they also performed a major public service to the local audience. This award was well deserved"Senior Lecturer Kate Ironside

“This is a prime example of the partnership work we do with the University of Northampton, providing opportunities for students to get involved in real world radio broadcasting and journalism experiences, especially at a time of momentous political change in the UK”Station Manager Rebecca Steers

The awards ceremony was held in Bradford, alongside the UK Community Radio Network conference, and the award was presented by representatives from the national Radio News Hub

The Community Radio Awards were setup to celebrate, promote, and champion all the work of the Community Radio Sector, it’s hundreds of stations serving local, diverse and communities of interest or identity and the thousands of volunteers who give up hours and hours a week to serve their audiences.

NLive Radio continues its coverage of local politics with a weekly politics show on Sundays from 9am, as well as regular news on its website.