Ben Mcgrail Email & Phone Number

I am an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and leader - with over 15 years of experience in the media. After working for radio stations, including BBC Radio 5live, and winning a Sony Radio Academy Award leading the news team at an independent radio station, I joined BBC Radio Somerset in 2011 as the station's drive presenter/producer. I was promoted to the morning phone-in and spent four years on the show, winning a South West Media Award in 2014 for 'Radio Programme of the Year'.In 2017, I started my television career after joining ITV News West Country as their Somerset Correspondent. My job is to cover news stories the length and breadth of the county - sourcing, writing and producing television, online and social media content.I first took on a leadership role in 2008 as the head of news and online at a radio group, leading a team of journalists. I have also taken on mentorship roles at the BBC and ITV and undertaken line management training.As well as being a sharp writer of copy, translating complex stories for a wider audience, I have also regularly undertaken project work in my career. These have included launching a new website, establishing social media presences, trialing of new technology and rolling out training.I have significant experience of communications, both internally and externally, allowing me to deal with a range of issues from serious and sensitive to light-hearted.I have picked up a number of honours through my career, including a New York Festivals Radio Award, an ITV News Award and a Mind Media Award for my coverage of mental health.​I am also an experienced and popular event host/compère in the West Country and have taken charge of events including the Somerset Life Food & Drink Awards, the Care Focus Awards and the Somerset Sports Awards.