University of Salford names Granada Reports presenter Lucy Meacock as new Chancellor

Long-standing Granada Reports presenter Lucy Meacock has been named as the next Chancellor of the University of Salford.

Lucy, who has hosted ITV regional news programme Granada Reports for more than 30 years, will act as the ceremonial head of the institution. In the role, she will preside at Graduation ceremonies and support the University’s work.

As the University’s seventh chancellor, Lucy follows in the footsteps of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, human geneticist Sir Walter Bodmer and Professor Jackie Kay CBE. On landing the career-changing role, she said: “I know I have been lucky – but the harder you work the luckier you get.

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“I hope students will look at me and realise if you show commitment and determination, you can have a rewarding and successful career.” Prior to working at Granada, Lucy spent two years in a live BBC News presenting job in London before catching the eye of rival network bosses.

Granada Reports is filmed at ITV’s base in Salford’s MediaCity hub. “Salford is very close to my heart,” Lucy proclaimed. “It is not only a richly diverse and fun place to study but a great place to make a career and a future. I have always encouraged talent to stay in the North West or to come back here one day – to make a difference.”

Her time at Granada has led her to co-present alongside legendary news figures like the late Bob Greaves, Tony Wilson and Tony Morris. Lucy has also presented BAFTA-winning programmes on Hillsborough and an investigation into the cockle pickers tragedy in Morecambe Bay.

In 2001, Lucy won two Royal Television Society awards for the Manchester Bomb Programme and Organ