Aspiring radio journalists are invited to apply for the 2025 Brian White Scholarship, with applications now open on Commercial Radio & Audio’s (CRA) website.
Named in honour of the late Brian White, pioneer of Australian radio journalism and the country’s first commercial radio cadet journalist, the scholarship provides a unique entry point for final-year students and recent graduates looking to break into the fast-paced world of commercial radio news.
“We’re looking for passionate, ambitious candidates ready to launch a career in radio journalism,” said Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA.
“This scholarship provides hands-on newsroom experience and mentorship from some of the best in the business,” added Young.
Finalists will be invited to an exclusive industry workshop with senior journalists and news directors from Nine Radio, ARN, NOVA Entertainment and Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), offering insight into the skills and mindset required in commercial radio.
One recipient will then be selected for a paid four-week placement across each of the four major networks, working directly in metropolitan newsrooms to write, produce and present live news content.
Grace Barlow, the 2024 Brian White Scholar who received two job offers directly from the scholarship and has since accepted an offer from ARN said the program offered unmatched access and industry insight.
“Being named the recipient of the Brian White Scholarship last year was truly life-changing. The professional experience I gained, alongside the incredible industry connections I made, the support I received, and the opportunities that abounded following my experience, has truly shaped my career in ways I never could have imagined. I would implore any aspiring broadcaster or journalism student to apply. You never know where it might take you,” Barlow said.
Applications close 30 September. The finalist workshop will take place in November, with placements commencing in early 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://cra.au/brianwhitescholarship
About Commercial Radio & Audio: Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) is the peak industry body representing the interests of commercial radio broadcasters across Australia. CRA promotes the effectiveness of radio and audio to advertisers, manages audio research and insights, the metropolitan and regional audience measurement surveys, the official Australian Podcast Ranker, revenue reporting, industry innovation, industry codes and standards, and regulatory and legislative matters. CRA hosts the ACRA Awards and HEARD, the audio industry showcase. We also collaborate with the broader digital audio ecosystem to grow the total market and provide services to the public and part public audio broadcasting services.