Candidates for the Radio Academy Trustees election
The following candidates were on the ballot to be elected as Trustees of The Radio Academy. The vote is now closed.
Adam Uytman
I’ve worked in the radio/audio industry for over 20 years, with a career spanning the commercial, BBC and independent sectors. From Producer at Beat 106 and Head of Music at Kerrang! Radio, to Programme Director at XFM London and later Editor across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, 2 and 6 Music. On leaving the BBC, I joined Listen/Wisebuddah as Director of Content where I worked with Spotify, Audible, Acast and more. Currently a consultant, I was Exec Producer of the Radio Academy Festival 2021, and I’m keen to use my significant experience and passion to further support the growth and development of the industry as a Trustee.
Deborah Wilson David
I am the Head of Department, Journalism and Media and Director of the Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism, at Nottingham Trent University. I began in radio aged 20 and since moving into Higher Education, have taught many young broadcasters, some honoured by inclusion in the Radio Academy’s 30 Under 30. I strive to pass on my lifelong passion for radio to the next generation, and that would be my focus if made a Trustee. A Radio Academy member for 20+ years, I’ve hosted events, served as a judge, and gained Patron status for the Centre for Broadcast Journalism. I’ve national and international board experience in media organisations to VP level and continue to broadcast, winning my sixth International Edward R Murrow Award for radio production last year.
Jessica Isaacs
As Head of Production at Radio 3, I lead a team producing programmes across classical, jazz, world music and more. I love radio and I love music. Over my career, I have encouraged innovation and creativity – from the award winning podcast This Classical Life with Jess Gillam, the immersive Night Tracks, Music Planet with roots and folk and Gameplay hosted by BabyQueen. I am passionate about diversity and inclusion -and in 2020 launched Open Music, a development scheme to bring new voices into radio. As a Trustee, I would encourage development, diversity and innovation to reach the next generation of listeners.
John Clayton
My career started off at Deutsche Bank, getting to the heights of Vice President, (which meant I had a company car). Whilst there, I worked for Essex Radio/FM, then at the inception of Heart - London, and Wave. I met some talented presenters, programmers, producers and senior management, off whom I learnt so much. My experience included: Talent Coach, Programme Director, Group Programme Director and Managing Director. I have a unique offering, whereby I can see things from both a presenter and senior manager’s perspective. This is coupled with a passion for making compelling radio, I’d relish the opportunity to strengthen the talented Academy board.
John Collins
I’ve worked in radio and audio for almost 40 years, on both sides of the microphone and in both BBC and commercial radio. I’m still active on air at Chris Country and elsewhere, combining that with teaching radio at City of Glasgow College and Bauer Academy (amongst others). To me the gap between education and industry has been a challenge and I’ve dedicated the last 15 years to bringing the two closer together. Getting new talent into our industry will be my guiding light over the next few years. That will involve working with industry, educationalists and that talent. I can’t wait to get started!
Kiran Nandra
2022 marks my 20th year in BBC radio. Spearheading Asian Network’s first national broadcast with Adil Ray in 2002, I produced television with Anita Rani and Nihal Arthanayake, becoming an Editor before moving to 1Xtra to launch the UK’s first Official Afrobeats Chart and produce stalwarts, Trevor Nelson and Yasmin Evans alongside music champions, Sian Anderson, Reece Parkinson and Jeremiah Asiamah. I’m currently a school governor, D&I Reverse-Mentor and BBC “Interview Champion”. Having recently completed a CMI-Certified Leadership Diploma, becoming a Radio Academy Trustee would feed my living-breathing passion for radio, allowing me to give back in a pivotal year.
Phil Maguire OBE
I lead an organisation (Prison Radio Association) that gives a voice to some of society’s most marginalised people. Our work is focused on talent development. In recent years, we’ve supported a series of people post-release to prominence in the radio industry, and we’re only just getting started! I’ve dedicated my life to working in radio - with national and local BBC stations; with student, hospital, and community stations; and through developing the world’s first national radio station for people in prison. Radio needs to change. If elected, I’ll support the Radio Academy in spearheading the drive to make the industry more representative of society.
Rachel Barton
I am Founder/Owner/MD of We Are Grape. Established in 2011, we are proud to work with the biggest broadcasters, platforms, brands and artists in the world. Before Grape, I won a BBC Talent traineeship & worked at Radio 1 for 9 years, producing many different shows and multiple Outside Broadcasts. I'm grateful the last 20 years has given me great perspective, experience and overview of our industry - inside and outside the BBC. I'd like to bring all this expertise to the Radio Academy board, make a meaningful contribution in shaping its future and create opportunities for future audio stars.
Rachel Mallender
I’m a passionate, experienced audio lover who, over three decades, has witnessed the amazing evolution of audio. From producing the Sony Award-winning Chris Moyles Show at Radio 1, innovating audiobooks as Audio Director at HarperCollins, to now leading Content at the global app Blinkist, I am recognised as an expert with knowledge spanning all areas of our exciting industry. As a trustee, I’d love to share my knowledge and experience of established and new audio, where I can celebrate and support audio in the UK and play a role to take it to the next level.
Rob Dowell
I am a champion of the talent and expertise in Local Radio. From starting out at Radio Aire, to winning an ARIA with BBC Radio Sheffield for Best Speech Breakfast Show, to being an Exec Producer at BBC Radio Tees - I have driven excellence and audiences. I am passionate about representing the industry across the UK. For the last three years I have been a Co-Chair of BBC RAISED (Real Action In Socio-Economic Diversity). It is the first staff network in the industry focussed solely on Working Class colleagues and audiences, and I’d love to bring that expertise to the Radio Academy.