The ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 list revealed for 2023

The Radio Academy 30 under 30 list, in collaboration with ReelWorld, has been announced.

The names were released by The Radio Academy throughout the day on social media, where we heard from each of the thirty people in their own words about their career highlights.

Featuring content creators, news editors, presenters, producers, production managers and more, from independent companies to major broadcasters and podcast platforms, the 2023 list showcases the sheer breadth and diversity of talent working in the UK audio and radio industry today.

Here’s the list in alphabetical order:

  • Abbey Darling, Director of Operations and Women’s Projects, Prison Radio Association
  • Abi Simpson, News Editor, Bauer Media Audio
  • Bea Duncan, Senior Producer and Sound Designer, Broccoli Productions
  • Benedict Jones, Social Media Manager, BBC Radio 2
  • Billy Draper, Radio & Podcast Producer, Freelance
  • Charlotte Swift, Radio Producer, BBC World Service & Test Match Special
  • Cheree Houston, Production Manager, Novel
  • Cloe Lee, Assistant Producer, BBC Radio 2
  • Eleanor Shearwood, Broadcast Journalist, News Broadcasting – TalkSPORT, Times Radio, Virgin Radio
  • Elizabeth (Ellie) Ajao, Freelance Presenter, BBC Radio 3 and Classical Music
  • Ella Watts, Head of Production, Six to Start
  • Gabriel Radus, Senior Producer, The News Agents & Matt Frei on LBC, Global
  • George Robinson, Live Events Producer, BBC
  • Hannah Montgomery, Technical Producer and Studio Director, BBC
  • Henry Louis, Assistant Producer, BBC Radio 1Xtra & BBC Radio 1
  • Izzy Lee-Poulton, Commissioning Producer, BBC Radio 4
  • Jack Suddaby, CEO and Founder, Beautiful Strangers
  • Joshua Shreeve, Assistant Producer, BBC Radio 1
  • Jules Rowan, Podcast and Radio Presenter, Prison Radio Association
  • Kamilah McInnis, Senior Journalist, BBC News
  • Katie Haseldine, Journalist, BBC Radio 4
  • Katie Sayer, Writer and producer, Pozzitive/Unusual
  • Laura FitzPatrick, Podcast Producer, The News Agents, Global
  • Maia Miller-Lewis, Researcher, Loftus Media
  • Matt Thomas, Producer, Audio Always
  • Meera Kumar, Producer and Content Development Exec, Freelance
  • Sophie Merrick, News Editor, Bauer Media Audio
  • Talia Augustidis, Producer, Broccoli Productions
  • Taylor Renée Cottrell, Audio & Social Assistant Producer, Folded Wing
  • Tommy Dixon, Content Producer, BBC World Service

Aradhna Tayal Leach, Managing Director, The Radio Academy: “I am delighted to announce The ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 list, one of the most prestigious and competitive accolades in our sector. It is our annual list of hugely inspirational people who are already making waves in the industry and are becoming the leaders of tomorrow.

“The 2023 list features the champions of radio and audio who have demonstrated passion, skill and an understanding of the medium that shows a dedication to our listeners, and to our own audio community.

“We hope that this mark of recognition from The Radio Academy promotes their achievements to date and empowers them to continue in their professional and personal endeavours.

“To every professional who applied, not just those who made the final list, I hope you feel proud of your own achievements and I am grateful for you sharing these with us. I wish you every success with the next stage of your career in our amazing industry.”

After 11 years as Chair of Judges for 30 Under 30, Steve Parkinson, Chief Strategic Partnerships and Events Officer at Bauer Media Audio UK, steps down as Chair of Judges. He said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to have been asked to preside as Chair over such an exciting and popular initiative for the last eleven years. My thanks and appreciation to Jimmy as he steps in to the role, and I very much look forward to reading the names of emerging talent in the years to come.”

Incoming Chair of The Radio Academy for 2024, Jimmy Buckland, a former 30 Under 30 himself in 2011 and now Director of Strategy at News Broadcasting, said: “As a member of the first 30 Under 30 in 2011, it’s a special honour to be asked to take over as Chair.

“I’d also like to extend a huge thank you to Steve on behalf of the industry and 30 Under 30 alumni for the energy and leadership he brought as outgoing Chair.

“I have found it incredibly inspiring to read through the brilliant applications we received this year. The thirty young people who have made this year’s list exemplify the creativity, flair, passion and innovation that are the lifeblood of our industry. Their talent and achievements demonstrate that the future of audio is in safe hands.”

Anthony Gay, Managing Director of ReelWorld, 30 Under 30 sponsor said: “This is ReelWorld’s 10th year associated with the Radio Academy’s ‘30 Under 30’ and that commitment reflects our passion for the future of the audio industry and our belief in the power of sound. The 30 Under 30 is an inspiring glimpse into that future and those who make the list are taking radio and audio in new and exciting directions.

“The audio landscape continues to evolve rapidly and alongside the technological advancements I hold firm to the belief that sharing compelling stories and creating strong emotional connections is at the heart of what we do. On that note I’m excited to welcome the class of 2023 to the ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30. This is a highlight of our year.”