iHeartRadio gives platform to budding radio students via AFTRS FM

Pictured: AFTRS student Bek Wagstaff

Tomorrow’s radio hopefuls have been given a platform to hone their broadcasting skills via an iHeartRadio station.

AFTRS FM – featuring students from the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting – is live around Australia on the iHeartRadio app from 7am to 8pm each day until Sunday, September 12.

Head of radio at the educational institution, Fyona Smith, said students are responding with optimism and agility to changing circumstances and are excited to be live across the nation once more.

“This is truly an exciting time in radio and podcasting,” she said. “We are fortunate to continue producing broadcast-quality content outside of the studios. Each student has access to high-quality microphones and ProTools from home, and our industry has been so supportive.”

iHeartRadio Australia’s content director, Brett ‘Nozz’ Nossiter, noted the power of radio in lockdown and its ability to keep going through a crisis – something the students will now be more prepared for.

“iHeartRadio Australia is a long-time supporter of AFTRS Radio and we’re proud to be playing a pivotal role in giving students a real-life lesson on how to adapt to ever-changing circumstances, learn how to use tools and technology to maintain a quality broadcast remotely, and connect with audiences,” he said. “Radio has always played a vital role in helping inform and entertain listeners while keeping them feeling connected to their community and this connection is more important than ever during lockdown.”

Students will work with guest air checkers and coaches from across the industry during their time on AFTRS FM, including the ABC’s Laura Tchilinguirian and Sian Gard, triple j’s David Marchese, smooth’s Glenn Daniel and Hit’s Nic Kelly.

The station will broadcast new, indie, alternative and Indigenous music, plus original podcasts and audio dramas.

The platform will also be used to launch this year’s AFTRS Audio Fiction Anthology, a series of original short audio fiction podcasts. Each three-minute episode explores an original story centred around the theme of ‘decluttering’.

Applications for AFTRS Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting, offered as a one year full-time or two years part-time course, close Monday 1 November 2021.