Commercial radio reaches 12.4 million weekly listeners in Australia
Grace Barlow, a student at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Perth, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Brian White Scholarship, Commercial Radio & Audio has announced.
The Brian White Scholarship honors the legacy of Brian White, Australia’s first commercial radio cadet journalist, who pioneered the news talk format during a career spanning three decades. The award offers Barlow a four-week paid placement, where she will gain experience in the newsrooms of ARN, SCA, Nova Entertainment and Nine Radio.
“This year’s competition set a new benchmark with the highest number of applicants in four years. Our finalists represent the future of radio news, and we are thrilled to see such remarkable talent emerging in our industry,” said CRA Chief Executive Officer Lizzie Young.
Barlow was selected following a workshop at ARN’s offices, where leading figures in commercial radio news mentored 10 finalists. The workshop was led by Fiona Ellis-Jones from ARN, Michelle Stephenson from Nova Entertainment, Erin Maher from Nine Radio, and Amy Goggins from SCA, who shared insights on succeeding in radio.
An eager next generation
“The level of skill and passion in the room is outstanding. It’s exciting to see the next generation eager to contribute to radio’s unique ability to reach audiences in a meaningful way,” said Fiona Ellis-Jones, ARN head of news and information.
Michelle Stephenson, Nova national audio news editor, added, “From breaking news to the everyday updates that matter, it’s often through radio that people first hear what’s happening in the world.”
“In the newsroom, no two days are the same. That variety keeps the work both challenging and exciting,” said Amy Goggins, SCA Sydney news editor. Erin Maher, 2GB Radio Senior Newsreader and Editor, noted, “There’s no better place for a journalist than radio. It’s immediate, it’s intimate, it’s always evolving — offering endless opportunities for storytelling.”
Entries for the 2025 Brian White Scholarship will open early next year. The competition is open to recent graduates or students in their final year of relevant courses such as communications, media, journalism, and radio. For more information, follow CRA’s social media channels.
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