Claire Hannah — The Northern Voice of Authentic Journalism and Community Empowerment
Who Is Claire Hannah?
Claire Hannah is a highly respected British TV and Radio journalist, presenter, communications expert, and events host from Wigan, Greater Manchester. With over 26 years of broadcasting experience, Claire has become one of the most recognisable and trusted media professionals in the North West of England. Her warm personality, relatable presence, and deep connection to her community have made her a standout figure in modern journalism.
Best known for her work with ITV Granada Reports, Channel 5 News, and Liverpool Live Radio, Claire has combined her natural storytelling ability with an unwavering sense of ethics and authenticity. She is also the founder of “What’s Happening in Wigan”, a fast-growing media and news platform dedicated to sharing positive, community-driven stories from her hometown.
Early Life and Education of Claire Hannah
Born and raised in Wigan, England, Claire Hannah’s roots have always been an integral part of her identity. She proudly embraces her northern background and often highlights it in her professional and personal work.
Claire attended St Peter’s RC High School in Orrell, where she developed early interests in the arts, music, and athletics — participating in badminton, hockey, and cross-country running. She went on to study at Winstanley College, completing her A Levels in Fine Art, Art History, and English Language between 1987 and 1989.
Her passion for creativity and communication led her to Wigan College of Technology, where she earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Fine Art (Painting) in 1990. She often credits her artistic background for shaping her storytelling instincts, visual sense, and emotional intelligence — skills that later became essential in her broadcast journalism career.
Claire Hannah’s Career Beginnings in Radio
Claire began her professional journey in the early 1990s as a radio journalist, quickly making a name for herself for her clarity, empathy, and professionalism. Her first significant positions included newsreading and reporting for several major radio stations in the North West.
She gained prominence as News Editor at 97.4 Rock FM (Bauer Radio), where she led a newsroom of six journalists. Under her leadership, the team became one of the first in the Bauer group to experiment with online news videos and deeper listener interaction — a visionary move for that time. Her work ethic and innovative approach helped redefine how local news could be both engaging and community-focused.
Following her time at Rock FM, Claire moved on to UTV Radio, where she served as News Editor for a cluster of stations including Wish FM, Wire FM, Tower FM, and Juice FM. In this leadership role, she managed teams, trained young reporters, and co-presented breakfast shows, building a reputation as both a mentor and an industry role model.
Transition to Television — ITV and Granada Reports
After her success in radio, Claire transitioned into television journalism, joining ITV News Granada Reports, one of the UK’s most established regional news programmes. She served as an On-screen Journalist, Reporter, Presenter, and Anchor from October 2021 to December 2024, based in Salford.
At Granada Reports, Claire excelled in live reporting, studio anchoring, producing, and editing. She was known for her calm, professional delivery and her ability to bring warmth to even the most serious stories. Her deep understanding of people and storytelling made her stand out among peers.
Her tenure at ITV was marked by professionalism and relatability — audiences appreciated her northern roots and genuine manner. When she eventually left Granada Reports in 2024 to pursue freelancing, many viewers expressed how much they “missed seeing someone real, someone like us” on their screens.
Freelance Career and Channel 5 News
Following her departure from ITV, Claire took a bold step towards independence, becoming a freelance journalist, presenter, and anchor. She began working across multiple national and regional outlets, including Five News (ITN) and Liverpool Live Radio.
At Channel 5, Claire’s experience and credibility were immediately valued. She openly shared that the network “had no issue with a middle-aged woman from Wigan” — a statement that resonated widely across social media for its honesty and insight into ageism and gender bias in the industry.
Her freelance work showcases her adaptability: from live broadcasting to producing, from anchoring national news to covering community initiatives, she has proven that journalistic integrity never goes out of style.
Founding “What’s Happening in Wigan”
In June 2025, Claire Hannah launched “What’s Happening in Wigan”, a social media-driven news platform dedicated to highlighting good news stories from her hometown.
As Founder and Editor, Claire’s mission is to celebrate Wigan’s people, culture, and community achievements — a refreshing shift from traditional media’s focus on negative or sensational stories. The project includes social media coverage, podcasts, and local interviews, providing residents with a sense of pride and connection.
Through this platform, Claire continues to show that journalism can be a force for positivity. Her motto is clear: “Everyone has a story, and we shouldn’t be too quick to judge.”
Other Media Work and PR Roles
Beyond journalism, Claire has also worked in Public Relations and Communications. From 2017 to 2021, she collaborated with Gaskells Waste Services in Liverpool, using her media expertise to promote community engagement and positive brand storytelling.
She has hosted numerous events, conferences, and public talks as a sought-after events host and public speaker, combining professionalism with her signature warmth and humour.
Her online presence — particularly on Twitter (@Claire_journo) and Instagram (@clairehannah_1) — reflects this balance of media savvy and human connection. Both accounts feature behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work, motivational reflections, and her ongoing love for her hometown and family.
Claire Hannah’s Personality and Values
Claire’s public persona reflects confidence, compassion, and self-acceptance. She has spoken openly about being 53 years old, proud of her age and life experience, and unapologetic about her journey as a “middle-aged woman from Wigan.”
Her social media posts show her humour, optimism, and refusal to conform to outdated expectations. Whether addressing ageism in broadcasting or celebrating being happily single — as in her viral post, “I’m my one 🤣 — single and happy!” — Claire continues to inspire authenticity and self-worth among her followers.
She embodies the belief that journalism is about people, not appearances — and that staying true to oneself is the most powerful statement a media professional can make.
Personal Life and Beliefs
While Claire keeps her private life relatively discreet, she has shared that she is single and content, valuing her independence, friendships, and close family relationships. She loves sunsets, laughter, and her hometown of Wigan — all of which appear frequently in her posts and stories.
Her outlook combines gratitude with grounded realism: she often writes about finding joy in everyday life, celebrating community kindness, and standing up against stereotypes — especially those aimed at women in media.
Claire Hannah’s Impact and Legacy
After more than two decades in journalism, Claire Hannah continues to evolve as a voice of integrity, warmth, and inclusivity in British broadcasting.
Her career spans BBC, ITV, Bauer Media, and Channel 5, and her new venture, What’s Happening in Wigan, has positioned her as a media entrepreneur who blends professional experience with civic pride.
More than anything, Claire’s story represents the resilience and adaptability of modern women in media — those who refuse to be defined by age, geography, or expectation. Her career reminds us that authentic storytelling and ethical journalism still matter.
Conclusion
Claire Hannah is not just a journalist — she’s a storyteller, mentor, and advocate for authenticity in media. From her early radio days to her national TV appearances and now her independent venture, she exemplifies what it means to evolve without losing your roots.
At 53, Claire stands as proof that experience, empathy, and humour are timeless. Whether behind the microphone, in front of the camera, or championing good news from Wigan, she continues to inspire others to speak truthfully, live fully, and never apologise for who they are.
FAQs
1. How old is Claire Hannah?
Claire Hannah is 53 years old, proudly embracing her age and long-standing experience in British broadcasting.
2. Is Claire Hannah married?
No, Claire Hannah is happily single and often shares empowering messages about independence and self-contentment.
3. Where does Claire Hannah work now?
She currently works as a freelance journalist, presenter, and anchor, appearing on Five News (ITN) and Liverpool Live Radio.
4. Did Claire Hannah work for ITV?
Yes, she was an on-screen journalist, presenter, and anchor at ITV Granada Reports from 2021 to 2024.
5. What is “What’s Happening in Wigan”?
It’s a community news platform founded by Claire Hannah to highlight good news stories from her hometown of Wigan.
