Julie Donaldson

Julie Donaldson was more than just a radio presenter — she was the voice of a region, a community champion, and a source of warmth, wit, and strength for thousands of listeners across the North East of England. Her legacy is not only one of professional success in broadcasting but also of deep compassion, connection, and care for the people she served.

Julie’s journey into radio began, as many great stories do, by accident. Born in Sunderland on 27 June 1970, she was a shy child who loved performing but avoided the spotlight. She found joy in recording her voice at home and was drawn to storytelling and communication from an early age. It wasn’t until she discovered hospital radio that she truly found her passion. “Bitten by the bug,” she immersed herself in the world of broadcasting.

At the age of 21, Julie joined Wear FM in Sunderland, where her natural talent and relatable style quickly stood out. Her show was even named NME’s "Radio Show Pick of the Week" — a sign of the bright future ahead. Over the years, she worked across BBC Tees, BBC Radio 5 Live, and local stations, always bringing her signature mix of warmth, humour, and authenticity.

Julie was not only a talented broadcaster — she was also an academic. She earned a Master’s degree in Radio and later taught at the University of Sunderland, sharing her knowledge with the next generation of media professionals. Her teaching, like her radio presence, was rooted in a belief in ordinary people’s stories and the value of community voices.

In 2015, she joined Zetland FM and became the much-loved host of the Morning Mix, a show known for its friendly, upbeat tone. Her ability to connect with listeners made her a constant comfort, particularly during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as the world shut down, Julie created a home studio and continued broadcasting, offering familiarity and reassurance when it was needed most.

Her work didn’t go unnoticed. Julie was named Best Female Presenter at the 2018 Community Radio Awards, and her show won Best Community Radio Programme in 2019. She was also shortlisted in the prestigious ARIAS (Audio and Radio Industry Awards), often dubbed the “Oscars of radio.” Yet despite these accolades, she remained humble and grounded. As she once said, “I’ve had the highs of winning awards and the lows of losing my mother — yet through it all people send me amazing supportive messages. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Julie’s impact reached far beyond the studio. She used her platform to support local charities, celebrate community achievements, and amplify the stories of people who rarely get to be heard. Redcar, often overlooked in national narratives, found a proud voice in Julie. She challenged the negative press with positivity, championing the town’s creativity, resilience, and kindness.

Listeners often said they felt like they knew her, even if they had never met. That was Julie’s gift — she communicated on a deeply personal level. Her shows felt like conversations with a friend. Whether she was interviewing local heroes, hosting the Inspiring Women Awards, or simply chatting about daily life, she reminded people that their stories mattered.

Julie’s passing in October 2020 at the age of 50, after a brave battle with COVID-19, was a devastating loss. Yet her legacy endures. In her memory, the Julie Donaldson Foundation was established to support young people pursuing careers in the arts and media — a fitting tribute to someone who believed so strongly in the power of voice and the importance of opportunity. A fundraiser launched in her name raised over £4,000 to purchase iPads for hospital patients, helping others stay connected, just as she had always done.

She was, as one listener simply put it, “lovely.” A calming presence in chaotic times. A selfie-stick enthusiast. A true original. Julie once shared a quote she loved: “Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, the devil says, ‘Oh crap, she’s up.’” That was Julie — a force of good, a bringer of light, and a tireless advocate for her community.

Julie Donaldson didn’t just report on her community — she was her community. And in the voices she helped amplify, the lives she touched, and the love she inspired, her spirit continues to broadcast.

click the icon to hear Julie.