Showcasing the next generation of radio and podcasting talent

One of the great highlights of being a juror for the 2026 Australian Audio Awards was experiencing the vibrant, buzzing hub that is the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) in Sydney, where the judging took place this week.

And once we’d wrapped up that part of the day’s proceedings, we were treated to something extra special, with AFTRS students, alumni and industry coming together to present the annual AFTRS Radio and Podcasting Showcase.

It was an evening that celebrated the future of audio storytelling and explored the opportunities ahead in radio and podcasting.

Designed to foster meaningful connections, the showcase brought together practitioners and executives from across the sector and across Australia. 

They included representatives from the ACE Radio Network, ARN Media, Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, SEN, tapt media, Geelong Broadcasters, SCA and NOVA Entertainment, alongside a wide range of production companies and broadcasters.

The night celebrated the recent work of graduates, with attendees given a first glimpse at the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting (GDRP) reel showcasing the creativity, craft and range of voices emerging from the program.

Images: AFTRS