This award is to recognise the best on-screen presentation by a television professional — broadcast or non-broadcast.  The presenter might be working in news or sport, features or documentaries, entertainment or magazine programmes.  Entrants should be based in the North East and the Border region — or feature prominently in content produced in the North East and the Borders.

WINNER:
Chris Jackson, BBC North East & Cumbria

 

NOMINEES:
Pam Royle, ITV News Tyne Tees
Richard Moss, BBC North East & Cumbria

The Judges said:
Richard Moss is one of the best regional political editors.  He displays great range and versatility, and understands how to appeal to both seasoned devotees of politics and those who are less enthusiastic.  He gives plenty of take-out for the viewer; he isn’t afraid of confrontation and keeps a debate lively.  His entries showed a versatility in presenting styles; from one-on-ones to debate-chairing.  He brings humour and accessibility to the arena of political reporting, but is also able to challenge his interviewees and keep on point when it comes to asking questions that the viewers are interested in.

Pam Royle is a supreme presenter and a ‘local treasure’.  Her voice is authoritative yet warm.  Judges praised her personal story of a cancer diagnosis for bringing the issue to the viewers — and it clearly had an impact, as their written responses revealed.  Her submissions showed that in many ways she is more than a presenter — she is a friend to the viewer and uses the camera to speak to her audience as that trusted friend.  She is highly professional and experienced, and that comes across in whatever she does.

But they said the winner was an engaging and thorough presenter, who showcased a variety of presenting styles; a rich seam of research, and an approachable, trustworthy style.  He shows he can be sharp and confrontational in interviews when faced with difficult subject matter, but also laid-back and entertaining when the subject required this approach.  Chris Jackson has an enviable contacts book, and the judges felt he must never be off-duty, forever sniffing out local stories, be they quirky, poignant or hard-hitting.

Chris is a versatile journalist who has a great manner on-screen.  He gives time to his stories and is at ease in front of the camera, whether the subject-matter is challenging or more light-hearted.  The judges enjoyed the diverse range of content in his portfolio and ability to draw the viewer in.  He has a modern, dynamic approach to story-telling and this really engages the viewer.  [Inside Out] is a regional programme which would stand its ground with any national show.