ARN is proud to announce that Fiona Ellis-Jones, Head of News & Information, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Maureen Kerridge AM Scholarship.
An experienced newsreader, journalist, and news executive, Fiona currently leads a large team of journalists across ARN’s network, including KIIS, Gold, Mix, CADA, ARN Regional, and iHeartRadio. She applied for the scholarship to further develop her leadership skills as she navigates the challenges of a rapidly evolving media landscape. With a strong background in journalism and management, Fiona is focused on adapting news distribution strategies for the digital era while ensuring content remains both relevant and commercially viable.
As part of the scholarship, Fiona will attend the Executive Leadership Development Program at Stanford University, saying: “I’m so grateful for the chance to study this course at Stanford, honouring Maureen Kerridge’s remarkable legacy and empowering more women to excel in leadership roles within the media industry. I’m excited to gain new perspectives, discover more about my leadership style, and make a meaningful impact on the future of news media in Australia.
“As a busy mother of four young children, I quite simply wouldn’t have had the opportunity to invest in my own development in this way without the support of CEW and the Kerridge Foundation,” she continued.
Recently honoured at the B&T Women in Media Awards, Fiona’s career in media spans over 15 years, including as a national newsreader for ABC TV and Radio. She later became the head of ABC’s Radio/Audio News division, overseeing news on Local Radio, NewsRadio, RN, Triple J, and all digital audio platforms. Prior to this, Fiona worked with Nine News Sydney as a producer and reporter. Her passion lies in local storytelling and transforming traditional broadcast news into on-demand formats that better serve today’s audiences.
Beyond her professional achievements, Fiona is a committed ambassador for the Red Nose Foundation, supporting bereaved parents and advocating to reduce stillbirth in Australia. As a mother of four young children and a daughter, Elizabeth, who was stillborn, Fiona’s advocacy is deeply personal. She also serves on the committee of Women in Media, Tasmania, and is based in Hobart.