10 years of the Brian White Scholarship: 2026 applications now open

2025 finalists and judges pictured (L to R): Penny Ghosn (2GB, Tapt Media), Scarlett Coppola, Fem Snel, Kate Cleaver, Ella O’Neill, Michelle Stephenson (NOVA Entertainment), Fiona Ellis-Jones (ARN), and Amy Goggins (SCA)

Applications for the 2026 Brian White Scholarship are now open on the Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) website.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the scholarship, which was named in honour of the late Brian White – pioneer of Australian radio journalism and the country’s first commercial radio cadet journalist.

The scholarship is an entry point for final-year students and recent graduates looking to break into commercial radio news.

Lizzie Young, Chief Executive Officer at CRA, said: “The Brian White Scholarship, part of our Sound Start program, is our investment in the next generation of Australian commercial radio talent. A decade on, we’re proud to have opened doors for many emerging journalists. As Australia’s only 100% locally owned and operated medium, reaching 15 million Australians weekly, our commitment to creating pathways into our industry means the next generation of local voices reflects the breadth of communities commercial radio connects with.”

Finalists will join senior journalists and news directors from ARN, NOVA Entertainment, SCA and Tapt Media for an industry workshop. A recipient will then be selected to complete a paid four-week placement across all four networks – writing, producing and presenting live news content in metropolitan newsrooms.

Kate Cleaver, 2025 Brian White Scholarship winner, said “This scholarship provided exceptional, real-world experience in the radio industry. Learning from the best in the country was a dream come true, and it’s shaped the skills I’ll carry forward in my career.”

Applications for the 2026 Brian White Scholarship close on September 30^th. Details here.

Image supplied.