The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) has announced the latest recipients of its 2026 scholarship program. The scholarships provide vital financial and practical support to help students from all walks of life access AFTRS’ world-leading screen and audio education.

The scholarship program provides opportunities for emerging creatives from diverse backgrounds across Australia to participate in AFTRS’ Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production, Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting, Master of Arts Screen, and Master of Arts Screen: Business programs.

Delivered in partnership with the AFTRS community, industry leaders, and alumni, these scholarships prioritise access and equity, and are a powerful investment in the future of Australian storytelling.

Offered every three years, the Australia for UNHCR Beddie Scholarship has been awarded in 2026 to Esperance Nyiramugisha. This prestigious award, now in its third iteration and valued at over $80,000 for 2026, is open to applicants from a refugee background pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production at AFTRS.

Esperance, 19, who was born in a Rwandan refugee camp to Congolese parents and came to Australia as a child, said receiving this scholarship was “such an honour”.

“It gives me the chance to study and tap into my creativity without the worry of financial constraint,” she said. “I’m so grateful to be the recipient of this scholarship and I’m excited to see what opportunities it opens up for me.”

The Onbass Giant Steps Scholarship – made possible through the generous support of the Gentle Giant Media Group and the Onbass Foundation – returns for its sixth year in 2026 and has been awarded to First Nations student Georgia Williams (Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production), who has relocated to Sydney from Cowra, NSW.

Georgia said: “I am eternally grateful for the opportunity this scholarship has unlocked for me. Without it I don’t think I’d be able to pursue my passion and acquire the skills I need for the industry.”

The two annual Women in Cinematography Scholarships, sponsored by SONY, and the Glenn Daniel Smooth FM Scholarship are now in their fourth years. The recipients of the Women in Cinematography Scholarships in 2026 are Jenna Coghill and Serafina Paletto (both Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production). The recipient of the Glenn Daniel Smooth FM Scholarship is Felicity Weaver.

Jenna said: “As I enter my final year of studying the BA at AFTRS, I’m incredibly grateful for the support this scholarship will provide. It represents the opportunity for women and gender diverse creatives to move past barriers and trust in our voices behind the camera. Seeing the first woman to win an Oscar for Best Cinematography this year was a powerful reminder that the industry is evolving and scholarship opportunities like this help the next generations carry that progress even further.”

Serafina said: “The Women in Cinematography Scholarship provides not only financial support, but the creative encouragement to commit to my voice as a cinematographer. I’m driven to create work that feels intimate, grounded and emotionally resonant. With the support of AFTRS and SONY, I feel empowered to take creative risks and focus on visual storytelling without limitation. This scholarship not only enables women to refine their craft, but also contributes to a more diverse and representative future of cinematography.”

Felicity said she was genuinely moved to receive a scholarship given in honour of the “great broadcaster” Glenn Daniel.

“This scholarship represents more than financial support. It has given me the confidence to back myself, in the ideas I already have and the ones still forming,” she said. “To my donor: never underestimate the impact of what you have given. A scholarship does not just fund study, it tells someone their potential is worth believing in.”

The First Nations Scholarships – supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust – provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and are awarded to one or more recipients each year based on creative excellence or equity. In 2026 the scholarships recognising creative excellence have been awarded to Master of Arts Screen: Directing student Sasha Parlett, Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting student Micah Kickett, and Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production student Pablo Wild. The HOYTS Group First Nations Scholarship will provide living expenses in 2026 to Jai (surname withheld), who was also the recipient of 2025 Scholarship, to enable him to continue his studies in the Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production program.

Micah said: “To be supported and recognised as an Indigenous student at AFTRS means not only will it assist financially, but will continue to drive my motivation and determination to complete the course. It is very humbling to know that scholarships such as these are available for Indigenous students in supporting their journey throughout the AFTRS courses, which gives an additional incentive to the student to pursue their career interests.”

Pablo said: “Receiving this scholarship is both a validation of my potential and a responsibility to take my work further with intention. It gives me the opportunity to fully immerse myself at AFTRS, where I’m excited to collaborate with other creatives, refine my directing voice, and strengthen how I translate complex ideas into compelling visual storytelling. I’m genuinely grateful to the donor for investing in emerging storytellers. This kind of support has a lasting impact, and I intend to make the most of it through the stories I create.”

The Anita Jacoby Trailblazer Scholarship recipient is Maria Kllogjri (Master of Arts Screen: Business). This scholarship, established last year, seeks to empower outstanding female-identifying or gender-diverse applicants from across Australia who demonstrate remarkable leadership skills and entrepreneurial spirit – and is made possible through the generous support of acclaimed television producer and journalist Anita Jacoby.

Maria said: “Receiving this scholarship is a meaningful recognition at an early stage of my journey. I’m incredibly grateful for the support, and excited by the opportunities it opens to further develop my skills and contribute to the screen industry.”

AFTRS Craft Excellence Scholarship supports female-identifying applicants who demonstrate excellence in craft in the disciplines of cinematography, sound, documentary, and editing in the Master of Arts Screen program. This year’s recipient is cinematographer Amrita Sur.

Amrita said receiving this scholarship was “truly life-changing”.

“As a woman entering an incredibly challenging field like cinematography, having my work recognised through this scholarship has strengthened my determination to keep pushing creative boundaries,” she said. “It means the world to know there are people who support emerging artists stepping into this space – who see what we stand for, and recognise our hard work, talent, and potential to grow as collaborators and storytellers.”

The Glenn Wheatley EON Innovation Scholarship has been awarded to Madeleine Adams who, as part of her Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting studies, will have the opportunity to do a work placement at Sunshine Coast radio stations MixFM and SeaFM.

Madeleine said receiving the scholarship had boosted her confidence in her broadcasting abilities and validated her passion for storytelling: “Not only has it alleviated some of the financial stress of studying full-time, but it has given me a foot in the door via a week of placement at MixFM and SeaFM following the completion of my graduate diploma at AFTRS. I hope to honour Glenn Wheatley and his entrepreneurial spirit and will take this recognition with me throughout my studies and into the radio and podcasting industry.”

The ARN Radio and Podcasting Scholarship recipient is Leisa Reichelt, who has made a late career switch from customer research to study her passion for broadcast. The CRA Regional Radio Scholarship recipient is Michael Cross, from Illawarra on the NSW South Coast.​

Leisa said: “After a long career in customer research, I applied not quite sure I deserved a place here, or that making a career pivot at this stage made any sense. Winning this scholarship was the moment I stopped questioning that, and started believing I could turn a passionate side-quest into my next career. Having people who know this industry look at what I bring and say ‘yes, you’ gives me confidence to take risks I could easily talk myself out of.”

Michael said: “It is such a wonderful opportunity to be studying at AFTRS and the CRA Regional Radio Scholarship is great financial support to allow me focus on my studies.”

As previously announced, Liam D’Silva (Master of Arts Screen: Directing) is the recipient of the Alumni & Industry Fund Scholarship.

Dr Nell Greenwood, CEO of AFTRS, said: “Our deepest thanks go to the companies and individuals who continue to support AFTRS year after year and whose generosity makes these scholarships possible. Scholarships are transformative: they open doors, relieve pressure and allow students to fully commit to learning their craft. Over time, we have seen how this support not only changes individual lives, but strengthens the entire screen sector by enabling new voices to enter, contribute and lead.”

More than 30 scholarships are offered at AFTRS each academic year.

ARN has announced that Pete Deppeler will join The Christian O’Connell Show, Australia’s first national commercial breakfast radio program on ARN’s GOLD Network across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

Known and loved by Australian audiences as “Intern Pete”, Deppeler joins the show after more than a decade as a key part of KIIS Breakfast. He has built a loyal following for his quick wit, relatable humour and unmistakable on-air style, and is best known for his high-energy, unpredictable segments that have made him a distinctive figure in breakfast radio.

Across his career, Deppeler has been a familiar presence on major red carpets and press junkets, interviewing some of the world’s biggest names including Will Smith, Angelina Jolie and Dolly Parton, as well as members of the Royal Family. Other highlights include high-adrenaline segments such as skydiving and swimming with sharks.

Christian O’Connell said: “Pete is one of the most genuinely loved voices in Australian breakfast radio, and he’s chosen this as his next chapter. He’s an extraordinary talent who’s ready to evolve, and I couldn’t be prouder that he’s chosen the Bright Side of the Dial to do it on.”

Deppeler will join Christian’s team in an on-air role as roving reporter and senior producer, at a pivotal time for The Christian O’Connell Show as it continues its national growth and builds audience momentum in 2026.

“I’ve admired Christian’s work for years, going right back to his broadcasting days in the UK,” Peter Deppeler said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join this incredible show with Christian and the team right across Australia. I love radio and everything this medium offers. I want to thank ARN, the incredibly talented KIIS team and everyone who’s supported me over the years. And now – onto GOLD. Let’s go!”

Deppeler’s final day on KIIS Breakfast will be on Friday May 22, before making his on-air debut with The Christian O’Connell Show on Monday May 25.

You can listen to The Christian O’Connell Show from 6-9am weekdays on GOLD101.7 in Sydney, GOLD104.3 in Melbourne, GOLD DAB+ in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane and via the free iHeart app.

From Monday 18 May to Sunday 24 May 2026, communities across Australia will come together to celebrate National Volunteer Week 2026, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering.

This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer, honours the contributions of volunteers and encourages people across Australia to make 2026 a year of meaningful involvement, in ways that work for them.

For community broadcasters, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, on air, behind the scenes and in local communities. Community broadcasting continues to thrive because of the dedication, skills and passion of volunteers across the sector.

Stations are encouraged to use the official National Volunteer Week resources from Volunteering Australia to celebrate and thank their volunteers throughout the week. Resources include social media graphics, posters, logos and promotional materials to help stations recognise the contribution of volunteers in their communities.

National Volunteer Week 2026 resources: https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nationalvolunteerweek/

Nominate your station volunteer for the 2026 CBAA Most Valuable Volunteer competition

Stations are also encouraged to take part in the 2026 CBAA Most Valuable Volunteer competition.

The successful entrant will receive a scholarship to attend the CBAA Conference 2026, including:

• conference registration
• accommodation
• a $400 travel allowance available through reimbursement.

Nomination form: https://www.tfaforms.com/5222471

Promote National Volunteer Week on air

Help spread the word by playing the National Volunteer Week 2026 Community Service Announcement on your station. It is a great way to recognise volunteers in your local community and encourage listeners to get involved.

Download the National Volunteer Week 2026 Community Service Announcement: https://cbaa.app.box.com/s/gnrviwlg3g326am94848c0ayerfwxo9j

Together, we can celebrate the volunteers who keep community broadcasting strong, connected and thriving.

Sydney, 7 May 2026

METRO MARKETS:

Sydney Radio 360 Survey 2, 2026

Melbourne Radio 360 Survey 2, 2026

Brisbane Radio 360 Survey 2, 2026

Adelaide Radio 360 Survey 2, 2026

Perth Radio 360 Survey 2, 2026

REGIONAL MARKETS:

Canberra Survey 1, 2026

Gold Coast Radio 360 Survey 1, 2026 

Newcastle Survey 1, 2026

Archive:

Archive of Previous Surveys

ARN is supercharging the growth of iHeart in Australia, announcing two senior appointments to drive the expansion of the platform and deliver world-class entertainment for audiences across audio, video, social, and live experiences.

Highly respected editorial and digital content leader Shauna Anderson has been appointed Director of Content – iHeart, with leading music and entertainment strategist Elle Bowles joining as Senior Manager – iHeart LIVE. Together, the appointments mark a major step in ARN’s strategy to build iHeart into Australia’s most connected entertainment platform.

iHeart is the world’s largest free audio streaming platform with 100 million songs, 450,000 playlists, and 250,000 podcasts. A cornerstone of ARN’s entertainment strategy and one of Australia’s most powerful digital entertainment ecosystems, iHeart brings together live radio, music, playlists, podcasts, streaming, video, social, and premium live experiences – reaching 7.8 million podcast listeners each month, delivering more than 25 million monthly downloads, and connecting with 5 million registered users in Australia.

Reporting to ARN Chief Content Officer Kerri Elstub, Anderson will lead iHeart’s content strategy, responsible for the development of iHeart original podcasts, identifying and developing emerging talent, expanding iHeart’s branded content capabilities, and accelerating ARN’s video and digital content strategy across platforms.

Bowles will report to Anderson with responsibility for iHeart LIVE, delivering premium, money-can’t-buy experiences for fans and brands – from intimate artist performances and creator-led conversations to cultural events and exclusive moments designed to live far beyond the room.

ARN Chief Content Officer Kerri Elstub said: “These are two hugely important appointments for ARN and for the future of iHeart. We are building something much bigger than a streaming platform or podcast network. iHeart is a true entertainment super platform creating deeper connections with audiences at scale.”

Anderson is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most accomplished content leaders, bringing more than 20 years’ experience across television, digital publishing, and premium content strategy.

Commenting on her new role, Shauna Anderson said: “Creating content that genuinely connects with audiences has always been in my DNA. I am excited to be joining ARN at such a pivotal time for iHeart and lead the team that will supercharge it to deliver a world-class platform for our mass audience and our commercial partners.”

Bowles has spent more than two decades working across major music brands and live entertainment events and has fostered deep connections with artists and promoters.

Elle Bowles said: “Creating once-in-a-lifetime moments for fans is something really special, and I’m incredibly excited to push how we bring those experiences to life in new ways for both audiences and partners. I’m looking forward to being part of a team dedicated to delivering world-class iHeart LIVE experiences for fans and for our commercial partners.”

iHeart LIVE has already delivered a series of standout experiences this year with some of the world’s biggest artists and talent, including a complete cross-platform iHeart LIVE experience with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. With more than 20 events planned across 2026, Bowles will build on this momentum to grow ARN’s premium live entertainment offering, unlocking new opportunities for audiences, artists, and brands.

Both Anderson and Bowles are based in Sydney and have commenced with ARN.

The CBAA is looking for an IT Manager to help lead and strengthen our technology environment.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys problem-solving, taking ownership, and working across infrastructure, systems, vendors and day-to-day IT operations. You’ll play an important role in supporting our team and helping us continue to deliver for community broadcasters across Australia.

We’re looking for someone with broad IT experience, strong communication skills, and a practical approach to improving systems and processes in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

At CBAA, we’re better together. You’ll join a supportive team with the opportunity to make a real impact in the community broadcasting sector.

View the full position description and apply via u&u Recruitment Partners at https://www.uandu.com/jobs/it-manager-infrastructure-operations-9015656

Following the first four weeks of breakfast radio at their new home on Adelaide’s KIIS 1023, Ben & Liam are taking over the city in a brand-new playful marketing campaign that quite literally places them back into breakfast.

Developed to reintroduce the much-loved broadcasters to the city that knows them best, the high-impact campaign sees their faces embedded into a series of iconic morning dishes to represent their return to Adelaide mornings. Cue the boys swimming in actual cereal and covered head to toe in giant baked beans.

The result of the chaotic (and messy) shoot is a bold and confident campaign that cuts through typical radio marketing collateral, while firmly re-establishing the duo’s position within Adelaide’s daily routine.

Executed in a distinctive deadpan visual style and brought to life with the duo’s trademark humour, the campaign is built on a simple insight: Ben & Liam need no introduction to Adelaide listeners – just a memorable reminder of exactly why waking up with them has always felt so right.

Speaking on the launch of the new marketing, ARN Chief Marketing Officer Donna Gordon said “The campaign is pure Ben & Liam – bold, cheeky and memorable – and it’s a brilliant example of what happens when talented teams deeply collaborate to bring an idea to life. The integrated campaign will be unmissable, supercharging the early momentum we’re seeing in market.”

On their new campaign, Ben & Liam said, “Thirteen years of radio together means thirteen photoshoots, and this is by far our favourite campaign. When we were all throwing around ideas, we were so revved on this particular campaign, but we thought to ourselves, ‘Naaaah there’s no way the bosses are signing off on this.’ Well…they did. We spent the day swimming in pools of cereal, eggs and beans. Special shout out to the art department for baking giant fruit loops and painting potato’s orange. Take that AI!”

Produced in‑house, the fully integrated campaign will roll out across out‑of‑home, transit, television, BVOD, print, digital, social and radio platforms.

Ben & Liam commenced on KIIS 1023 on April 1 and have continued to build momentum with Adelaide audiences. The duo can also be heard nationally from 6.00am on Saturdays across KIIS 1023, KIIS 1065, KIIS 1011 and KIIS 973.

CREDITS
Chief Marketing Officer – Donna Gordon
Senior Brand Manager – James Duffield
Marketing Coordinator – Amelia Johnson
Head of Creative Production – Sean Vandenberg
Creative Director – Ante Miocic
Creative Content Lead – Phoebe Edwards
Video Content Lead – Becky Lillyman
Content Producer – Josh Hayes
Senior Design Lead – Nick Palin
CP Operations Specialist – Luci Doling
Hair & Makeup – Melinda Wenig
Gaffer – Simon Walsh
Sound Recordist – Tom Sinclair
Design – Emily Mirabito
Media Agency – Initiative

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) today welcomes the Albanese Government’s decision to extend the suspension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax (CBT) for a further two years as part of the forthcoming Federal Budget but urges further action to ensure the sustainability of commercial radio – the only 100% Australian-owned and operated media channel.

Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA, said: “We are pleased the Government recognises the need to support the long-term sustainability of Australia’s local media industry. A two-year CBT suspension is a step in the right direction for our sector, which carries regulatory burdens our global competitors do not face. But the archaic radio-specific rules that are holding local radio back must be repealed, and the most critical issue for our sector, radio prominence, must be addressed. That is what we are calling on the Government to deliver.”

Pictured above: Lizzie Young, CEO, Commercial Radio & Audio 

Commercial radio reaches 15 million Australians weekly,¹ contributes $1 billion annually to GDP, supports 6,600 jobs,² and delivers local news, emergency information and community content Australians rely on. Every advertising dollar stays here – funding local journalism and the communities we serve.

Young continued, “If we are serious about protecting Australia’s national media sovereignty and levelling the playing field against global technology platforms – whose impact on local media has been devastating – these further reforms are essential.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with Government on these critical issues and to securing outcomes that give our industry the certainty it needs to deliver what Australians need within their local community – trusted news and emergency information that is free and easy to access.”

Sources:

1. The Infinite Dial 2025, Edison Research. Data referring to Australians aged 10+ unless otherwise stated.
2. Deloitte, Connecting Communities: The Economic and Social Contribution of Commercial Radio & Audio in Australia, August 2023
   

A joint response from the Local & Independent News Association (LINA) and the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA).

The Government has today opened a short consultation process on the next phase of the News Media Bargaining Code, the News Bargaining Incentive, seeking responses from industry and stakeholders over the next two weeks. The Code, introduced in 2021 is world-leading legislation and, while it has yielded mixed results for industry to date, the intent to correct a power imbalance in the information ecosystem through requiring tech platforms to contribute to the news media industry they have disrupted is commendable.

CBAA and LINA support these actions to hold tech platforms accountable to the communities they profit from and welcomes measures to increase the transparency of deals between platforms and industry. The News Bargaining Incentive is a new attempt to bring platforms to the table to negotiate with news publishers, with the government seeking to return funds to parts of the news media industry as compensation for a loss of advertising income caused by digital disruption.

The proposed News Bargaining Incentive, as currently drafted, does not address the underlying issues in the News Media Bargaining Code on which it is based. Commercially focused eligibility requirements create barriers to participation for small publishers and volunteer-based community media, further entrenching the status quo in a media landscape that is already one of the most concentrated in the world. Funding is needed not only to prop up existing publishers, but to regenerate a battered news industry and better serve Australian communities with relevant and reliable news services.

The Government’s News Media Assistance Policy Framework outlines the role of government policy intervention in news media and journalism as fundamental to democracy, civic society and community wellbeing – balancing the need for industry support with undue editorial influence. Government has a responsibility to enable informed communities, facilitate effective emergency response, community resilience, belonging and cohesion, civic engagement and day to day information that helps people navigate their lives.

While not an inherent feature of the legislation, the News Bargaining Incentive may generate revenue through levies on technology companies. These companies may be more inclined to absorb the higher costs in Australia rather than risk setting a precedent that could influence similar regulatory approaches in other countries. This presents an opportunity for government to resource its own societal objectives through the levy, and to change the news media landscape in the process. The State of Democracy in Australia report shows almost two-thirds of Australians support this idea.

For more information about LINA and its initiatives, visit lina.org.au.

AFTRS students, alumni and industry came together on Tuesday 28 April for the annual AFTRS Radio and Podcasting Showcase, an evening that celebrated the future of audio storytelling and explored the opportunities ahead in radio and podcasting.

It was a full house as industry partners met with radio and podcasting students, graduands and alumni, many of whom had spent the day at AFTRS, hosting judging panels for the Mumbrella and Radio Info/Radio Today Australian Audio Awards, whose winners will be announced on Thursday 28 May.

Designed to foster meaningful connections, the showcase brought together practitioners and executives from across the sector and across Australia, including representatives from the ABC, ACE Radio Network, ARN Media, Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, SEN, Tapt Media, Geelong Broadcasters, and Nova, alongside a wide range of production companies and broadcasters.

AFTRS Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting (GDRP) Program Convenor Natalie Pozdeev welcomed guests, inviting them to get to know the students and graduands who came to AFTRS “to make audio – in all its contemporary forms – across radio, podcasting, social, multiplatform and emerging spaces, including marketing, communications and various industries where audio is a part of the business toolkit.” 

The GDRP flexible delivery has provided opportunities for students across the country to access studies online and part time, extensively opening access to the School and the community of creatives, from students to lecturers, who come together to create, participate and give voice to diverse stories.  

Natalie added: “We know that audio is powerful because it’s personal. It’s tied to place, community and voice, and that’s especially true in regional and hyperlocal contexts, which remain critical to Australia’s media landscape. The geographic spread of our students, and the diversity of their experiences, is not accidental. It is one of our greatest strengths.” 

The evening also celebrated the recent work of graduands, with attendees given a first look at the GDRP reel showcasing the creativity, craft and range of voices emerging from the program. 

Karl Svikis’ experience of the course was also showcased, as students and alumni revisited the formative experiences of the GDRP, including real-world projects when students are on air, such as Show Radio, 2NRS, AFTRS FM and Next Podcasting. Karl, who graduates this year, is currently working for Southern Cross Austereo as a ‘street teamer’ and doing casual panelling for Sports Entertainment Network. He has also been invited to be a casual producer on The Hot Hits National evening radio show.  

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZCw0nF_o_jE%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.aftrs.edu.au

Fellow graduand Lee Chan spoke at the event, reflecting on her time studying at AFTRS as she returns to the media and broadcast industry after a three-year career break as a television presenter on lifestyle/food shows. She said what brought her to AFTRS was the motivation to “be a better storyteller”. 

She told current students that the course will “push you to your limits”, noting “we created things we didn’t think we had in us, sometimes in record timing and in the end, what I got out of it was a clearer path on where I’d like to go after the course ended”. 

Lee airs a weekly spot on EastsideFM, and her love for storytelling shines brightly through “podcasting, specifically docu-series and human-interest stories”.