CRA opens scholarship applications

Commercial Radio & Audio has opened applications for the Brian White Scholarship, giving Australian students or recent graduates the opportunity to help kickstart a career in radio news.

The annual scholarship is named after Brian White — the first Australian commercial radio cadet journalist who went on to become a pioneer of the news talk format and had an influential career spanning three decades.

“We are looking for talented and ambitious students or graduates who are passionate about radio news and current affairs reporting so we can help launch their radio career,” said CRA chief commercial officer Jo Dick. “In the modern media landscape, radio is more important than ever as a trusted and local source of news, keeping communities informed and connected.”

The finalists will participate in a workshop with radio news professionals from Nine Radio, ARN, NOVA Entertainment and SCA, before a winner is chosen. The scholarship recipient will then experience paid internship placements at major metropolitan newsrooms, learning from senior journalists about how they cover the stories of the day, meet tight deadlines, and use the powerful medium of radio to inform their audiences.

Last year’s Brian White recipient, Daneie Geddes, now employed at Nine Radio in Sydney, has encouraged others to apply, describing it as an opportunity to gain practical experience and mentorship. “The scholarship provided invaluable networking opportunities and hands-on experience, connecting me with industry professionals and opening doors to job opportunities,” Geddes said. “The most important thing I learned during my experience was the power of storytelling and the importance of connecting with listeners on a personal level — not just reading into a microphone but telling a story.” Quotes from other previous recipients are available here.

You can find out more information about the Brian White Scholarship here, including how to apply. Applications are open until 31 July. The finalist workshop will be held in September.