Premier's Director of Content, Charmaine Noble-McLean, was today awarded one of four new Fellowships from The Radio Academy during this year's Radio Academy Festival, honouring her with its highest accolade for a lifetime of dedication and passion in radio and audio.

Charmaine was taken by surprise with her Fellowship as part of the one-day conference on November 3rd.

Since joining the station 23 years ago, she has climbed the ranks at Premier, starting as a volunteer, then PA to the CEO, before becoming a Presenter, Producer, and Programme Controller.  As Content Director, she's driven the Premier brand to a global multimedia operation, adding two spin-off stations along the way. 

Charmaine was awarded her Fellowship by Radio Academy Fellow, Paul Chantler, and Premier Gospel Director Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE, with a special message from comedian and supporter Tim Vine who said the achievement was "totally deserved".

Charmaine Noble-McLean, said: "I am honoured to be awarded a Radio Academy Fellowship alongside the other new Fellows. It's been a lovely surprise. Not only is it recognition of my achievements in the industry, but it adds to the joy my work brings me every day. I would like to thank the Academy for this incredible - and unexpected - award, which I will treasure. I'm also proud to be joining other Fellows who share my passion for this amazing industry. I also want to say a special thanks to all of my wonderful colleagues at Premier who make working here the best job in radio."   

Premier Gospel Director Muyiwa Olarawaju, OBE, commented: "It was a privilege to award my colleague, Charmaine, with the Fellowship, and to let her know how respected she is by her peers in the industry. Naturally, here at the station we are continually impressed by Charmaine's unerring commitment to producing excellent quality content to Christians around the world. I have Charmaine to thank for the creation of our Gospel Station, which has grown to play an essential role in many people's lives."

Premier CEO, Peter Kerridge, remarked: "It is an honour to work alongside Charmaine, who has devoted her career to helping develop Premier Christian Radio to its impressive status today, which has an audience of 1.2 million. Charmaine has also been instrumental in producing digital content that supports and engages audiences in their community. This work has been particularly important since the pandemic. I can't thank Charmaine enough for her incredible work for the company and for our audience worldwide."

Helen Thomas, Chair of The Radio Academy, said: "I'm thrilled to welcome Charmaine as one the newest Fellows of the Radio Academy. She has contributed so much to the industry over the years and it's wonderful to be able to recognise and celebrate her achievements with these Fellowships - the highest accolades the Radio Academy can bestow on any individual."