AFTRS partners with CRA for new podcast scholarship

The Australian Film, Television & Radio School (AFTRS) and Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) have launched a brand new $7,500 scholarship to support a regional radio and podcasting student.

The CRA Podcast Scholarship will be presented to one student moving to Sydney to study the AFTRS Graduate Diploma in Radio, but as well as the financial boost, the successful student will also undertake a four-week internship at SCA’s PodcastOne.

Head of radio Fyona Smith said AFTRS was thrilled to partner with CRA for the new scholarship, especially given the rate of podcasting growth in Australia.

“Podcasting has been growing at a substantial rate both nationally and internationally. AFTRS foreshadowed this exciting emerging field for Australian broadcast storytellers and began teaching podcasting in 2006,” she said.

The AFTRS Graduate Diploma in Radio achieves a high employment rate of 95% plus, and work in broadcasting around the country.

“AFTRS Graduate Diploma Radio curriculum includes opportunities for students, working alongside industry experts, to regularly create, edit and publish radio and podcast content, preparing them to work professionally as podcast producers.  We are thrilled to be partnering with CRA to support a talented regional student to study at the School.”

Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner said the partnership is a way for CRA to invest in the development of new radio talent, as well as support podcast growth.

“We are pleased to announce the CRA Podcast Scholarship to support a regional student studying at AFTRS,” she said.

“Many of the radio students AFTRS produces invariably find employment in commercial radio across Australia, including within the podcasting space, and several have gone on to win prestigious radio awards.

“Through the CRA Podcast Scholarship, the commercial radio industry is investing in the development of the next generation of industry talent and showing our continued commitment to supporting the growth of podcasts in this country.”

The first recipient of the scholarship will be announced in 2020.