The industry legends working to ensure radio newsrooms of the future are in good hands

3AW's Madelaine Burke (far right) with RMIT broadcasting students. Image: LinkedIn

It is an oft-heard complaint in our industry: up-and-coming radio journalists simply don’t have the same training and mentorship that was available to their predecessors.

But you only need look at the broadcasting program at Melbourne’s RMIT University to rest assured the next generation of radio news talent is getting the very best guidance available.

Led by RMIT lecturer Tito Ambyo, The reporting and writing component of the Graduate Diploma in Journalism has been spearheaded by the likes of highly respected former 3AW newsreader Gail Watson, award-winning journalist Stephanie Corsetti, veteran TV and radio journalist Brett McLeod, ABC reporter and producer Scott Mitchell and 3AW police reporter Madelaine Burke.

This year, the students are not only reporting for the long-running digital news publication City Journal but also doing midday news bulletins for legendary community radio station Triple R. 

Burke has just wrapped up her second year working with the program, helping run a simulated radio newsroom and guiding students through the process of producing and delivering a live news bulletin.

Watching students learn how to work under pressure, collaborate in a fast-moving newsroom environment, and back themselves on-air was hugely a rewarding experience for all who took part.

“When I first started working with the students at RMIT, I was struck by how mature, intelligent and engaged they were,” Burke tells Radio Today.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding helping guide them through those first live broadcasts and seeing the excitement and confidence that comes with it. It reminded me very much of how I felt when I first started in radio.

What’s also impressive, says Burke, is how industry-ready many of them already are.

“One of last year’s students is now working alongside me at 3AW, and I think there will be plenty more to come.”

Burke believes the radio industry of the future is in good hands.

“The next generation of radio journalists and broadcasters are enthusiastic, adaptable and genuinely passionate about storytelling and live media.”

Her favourite part of the day was the whip-around after the students’ live bulletin aired, the excitement – not to mention the familiar sense of relief – reminding Burke of her own early days in radio.

It’s been an equally rewarding experience for Watson, who departed 3AW in October last year after nearly 17 years at the station.

On LinkedIn, Watson said “Some very talented students this year, and I expect to see many of their names in the media in the years to come.” 

In his role as adjunct Professor of Journalism, McLeod gives freely of his time to RMIT students, happily sharing his take on modern reporting and some of his wisdom around broadcasting.