Attracting and supporting Australia’s next generation of radio talent

Attracting and supporting Australia’s next generation of radio and audio talent is at the core of a national early careers pathway program that’s officially been launched by industry body Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA).

Sound Start sees CRA partnering with universities and tertiary institutions nationwide to build a growing national pipeline of talent into commercial radio and audio.

Through scholarships, prizes and placements, CRA invests annually in student support to help create accessible career pathways.

AFTRS, Charles Sturt University, Victoria’s Swinburne University and WA’s Edith Cowan University are all involved in the program.

Brian White Scholarship recipients – such as last year’s winner Grace Barlow (pictured above) – have gone on to be employed in the industry as a direct result of the program.

Grace, who now works at ARN, says “It’s been fantastic to experience a newsroom driving the news agenda and chasing stories. I’ve been entrusted to conduct interviews, and I even had the opportunity to speak with eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant.”

Emerging audio talent from regional and rural Australia is recognised and supported through the CRA Regional Radio Scholarship, delivered in partnership with AFTRS.

Kwame Slusher, 2025 CRA Regional Radio Scholarship recipient (pictured above), says “The scholarship has given me the chance to take a giant step forward in my radio and podcasting career! My aspiration is to be a full-time audio producer and I’m open to the possibilities of what that might look like.”

Under the partnership between CRA and Edith Cowan University, an annual prize is presented to an outstanding student in the Postgraduate News and Entertainment Media program, who demonstrates exceptional potential in commercial radio.

ECU Course Coordinator Andrea Burns says “Past winners of this prize have graduated on a Friday and started work in the radio industry the following Monday. Our collaboration with CRA is a big part of the success of our program.”

CRA says these partnerships address industry workforce needs while creating accessible pathways for students from metropolitan and regional areas. A strong focus on regional talent ensures support extends beyond metro areas, with partnerships with regional universities and funding for relocation and living expenses.

It is currently in discussions with several institutions, with more partnership updates to come.

Find out what’s currently on offer at CRA’s new Careers Hub.

Applications for the 2025 Brian White Scholarship are now open, offering a four-week paid placement across Nine Radio, ARN, NOVA, and SCA.  Details on how to apply here.

*Images: CRA