KATE CLEAVER NAMED WINNER OF 2025 BRIAN WHITE SCHOLARSHIP

Curtin University student Kate Cleaver has been named the winner of the prestigious 2025 Brian White Scholarship, announced today by Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA). 

Kate will embark on a four-week paid placement, gaining invaluable experience across the ARN, Nine Radio, NOVA Entertainment, and SCA newsrooms. 

The scholarship recipient was chosen following an intensive workshop hosted by NOVA Entertainment for the four finalists. The workshop was conducted by leading commercial radio news figures, including Fiona Ellis-Jones (ARN), Penny Ghosn (2GB, Nine Radio), Michelle Stephenson (NOVA Entertainment), and Amy Goggins (SCA).  

 Finalists and judges pictured (L to R): Penny Ghosn (2GB, Nine Radio), Scarlett Coppola, Fem Snel, Kate Cleaver, Ella O’Neill, Michelle Stephenson (NOVA Entertainment), Fiona Ellis-Jones (ARN), and Amy Goggins (SCA) 

Lizzie Young, CEO at CRA said: “The Brian White Scholarship, part of our Sound Start program, is our investment in the next generation of Australian commercial radio talent – a medium reaching 15 million* Australians weekly. Kate’s talent stood out, and we’re proud to support her hands-on experience across four major newsrooms.” 

Kate Cleaver, 2025’s Brian White Scholarship recipient said: “I am beyond thrilled to get selected for the Brian White Scholarship, I can’t wait for the opportunity to immerse myself in commercial radio whilst getting to work alongside some of the best in the business.”  

The annual Brian White Scholarship honours the legacy of radio legend Brian White, the first Australian commercial radio cadet journalist. White pioneered the news talk format and had a career spanning three influential decades.

2025 Finalists (L to R): Scarlett Coppola, Kate Cleaver, Fem Snel, Ella O’Neill.  

Entries for the 2026 Brian White Scholarship will open mid next year. The competition is open to recent graduates or students in their final year of a relevant course such as Communications, Media, Journalism, and Radio.  

For more details, visit Sound Start – Audio Careers Hub.  

*Source: Edison Research, Infinite Dial 2025, National Commercial Radio Reach (AM/FM/DAB+ or streaming), P10+