NTU MA Journalism graduate wins BBC Local Democracy Story of the Year award
NTU MA Journalism graduate PJ Lynch has won the BBC Local Democracy Story of the Year award for his investigation into Hillingdon Council’s £1 million payments to a company linked to its finance chief.
Published on 20 November 2025
Categories: Alumni; School of Social Sciences;
NTU MA Journalism graduate wins BBC Local Democracy Story of the Year award
We are proud to celebrate the success of Philip James “PJ” Lynch, an MA Journalism graduate from Nottingham Trent University (NTU), who has been named Local Democracy Story of the Year at the BBC’s Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) Conference.
The LDRS is a BBC-funded initiative supporting 165 journalists across the UK to cover local councils and public bodies, providing vital reporting that strengthens local democracy.
PJ's award highlights exceptional journalism that holds local authorities to account. PJ, who now works as a journalist for Reach Plc, was recognised for his impactful investigation into a council that had paid more than £1 million to a firm linked to its cabinet member for finance. His reporting demonstrated rigorous scrutiny and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism.
PJ’s success not only reflects his own determination and talent, but also reinforces NTU’s commitment to nurturing journalists who make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Reflecting on the award, PJ said:
“I was delighted to have won Story of the Year at the LDRS awards. I had uncovered that a council had paid over £1 million to a firm linked to its cabinet member for finance. It took hours of examining years’ worth of council spending on Excel - which I had little idea how to use before my MA!”
PJ studied MA Journalism at NTU, which helped develop the investigative, analytical and digital skills that underpin his work today. His recent accomplishments add to an already impressive list of achievements, including being named in the Press 30 Under 30 Awards and shortlisted for Young Journalist of the Year at the Media Freedom Awards in 2025.
We extend our warmest congratulations to PJ on this outstanding achievement. His success exemplifies the strength of NTU’s MA Journalism programme and the impact our graduates continue to make within the industry.