Category: Australian

ABC and SBS today announced that audiences on the Gold Coast will now have access to a range of new radio stations with the launch of digital radio (DAB+) services from today, Wednesday 15 May.

Listeners will be able to enjoy the full range of ABC Radio services including ABC Gold Coast, Double J, ABC Jazz, ABC Country, ABC Sport, triple j Unearthed and ABC KIDS listen.

They will be able to tune in to SBS Audio services including language programs on SBS Radio 1, SBS Radio 2, SBS Radio 3, SBS Arabic24 and SBS South Asian, as well as music stations SBS Chill and SBS PopAsia.

ABC Head of Audio Ben Latimer said: “The addition of DAB+ will improve access to the ABC’s wealth of audio services for audiences on the Gold Coast. These audiences will experience high-quality audio across our range of popular digital audio brands like Double J, ABC Sport and the ABC Kids listen.”

SBS Acting Director of Audio and Language Content Pamela Cook said: “With the latest Census data showing nearly a third of Gold Coast residents were born overseas, the launch of DAB+ radio means more Australians can now enjoy SBS Audio’s full suite of over 60 language services. This provides news, community stories, entertainment, plus a new SBS South Asian destination channel.”

Digital radio delivers better sound quality than traditional AM/FM radio and doesn’t suffer from the same types of interference or static issues.

There is no need to manually tune or search for channels, audiences can simply select their favourite radio station from the alphabetical station list.

Digital radios also have small screens which can display program-related information, such as ‘now playing’ song title and artist details as well as local news headlines, weather details and traffic updates.

Audiences can find more information about DAB+ on the ABC Digital Radio Help Page and SBS Audio How Do I Listen Page.

ABC News Top Stories is the No 1 news podcast in Australia, according to the April Triton Podcast Ranker released today.

The program was No 3 in the overall rankings with 669,000 listeners in April.

ABC News Top Stories is a news update created specifically for digital audiences, explaining the key stories of the moment in under two minutes.

ABC Director News Justin Stevens said: “The fantastic performance of ABC News Top Stories demonstrates its value and the audience demand for a quality news service in the podcast age.”

The ABC is the No. 3 podcast publisher in the April Triton Podcast Ranker and has more titles in the top 200 than any other publisher, with 33 titles featured.

Three ABC titles featured in the top 20 podcasts, with ABC News Top Stories at number three, Conversations at number seven and ABC News Daily at number 15.

The full Triton Australian Podcast Ranker can be found here.

Audiences can enjoy all the ABC’s podcasts for free and ad free on ABC listen.

The Australian Podcast Ranker is a regular monthly snapshot of Australia’s most popular podcasts. The Ranker has been reporting podcast listening in Australia since 2019 and includes a wide cross section of Australian podcast publishers, from both radio and non-radio backgrounds.

One of the nation’s most influential and respected journalists, David Marr, will take over as host of RN’s Late Night Live until the end of the year following the retirement of veteran presenter Phillip Adams after 33 years.

David Marr is a Walkley Award winning journalist whose career has included editing The National Times, and reporting at The Bulletin, Fairfax, The Guardian and the ABC where he hosted Media Watch, was an investigative journalist at Four Corners, and presented arts programs.

A successful author, David’s most recent book Killing for Country: A Family Story has been critically acclaimed since its release, while his biographies of Nobel winning Australian author Patrick White and former Chief Justice Sir Garfield Barwick are among his many contributions to Australian journalism and letters.

David has built a career as one of the nation’s leading commentators on current affairs, culture, media and the law and will bring his signature quick wit to the task.

Of his new gig, David said, “I’m honoured and terrified. It’s going to be a ball”.

RN Manager Dina Rosendorff said replacing Phillip Adams after such an unrivalled career on the ABC airwaves was never going to be an easy task.

“While we celebrate Phillip’s career it is also exciting to welcome David, who I’m sure will resonate with the most intellectual and loyal radio audience in the country, the Gladdies and Poddies.

“David is the right combination of intellect, curiosity and, of course, a wicked sense of humour. We are all delighted that he’s agreed to take up this role until the end of the year.”

Phillip’s last broadcast will be on June 27. David starts with LNL on July 15.

ABC Radio Perth will celebrate 100 years of radio in Western Australia on Tuesday, 4 June 2024 with special broadcast plans set to roll out across the week.

Celebrations kick off in Breakfast with Mark Gibson featuring interviews with Perth radio legend Earl Reeve and iconic media personality Susannah Carr.

The Morning program, hosted by Nadia Mitsopoulos, will do a special live broadcast at the State Library of Western Australia, coinciding with the launch of a display on the history of 6WF Radio.

Featuring music selected from the first broadcast in 1924, performed live by the Perth Symphony Orchestra, the program will outline more about the history of radio in WA.

Throughout the week, ABC Radio Perth will continue to feature some of WA’s most familiar and well-loved radio voices.

To top off the week, ABC Perth will throw open its doors to the public on Saturday June 8, from 9am – 2.30pm for an Open House.

ABC Radio Perth manager Danielle Benda said radio had played a central role in the lives of so many Western Australians since its inception.

“When you think of the isolation of so many people in WA — especially 100 years ago — music, news and information from ‘the wireless’ would have been invaluable,” she said.

“Over the years 6WF won a place in our hearts and homes as company and reassurance in times of deep difficulty and uncertainty as well as in joy and celebration.

“ABC Radio is proud to continue to broadcast in that great tradition providing great company, excellent news services, good music and comprehensive sports coverage to audiences in Perth and throughout WA.”

Radio 6WF – still the call sign of 720 ABC Radio Perth – made its first transmission on the evening of June 4, 1924, with a speech from then-Premier Philip Collier and a program of light music and live entertainment.

Established by Westralian Farmers’ Co-operative Ltd (Wesfarmers), 6WF was the first high powered radio station in WA, broadcasting agricultural information to farmers and to provide contact with the wider world.

Tune in on ABC Perth or on the ABC listen app.

The ABC has won seven out of 13 categories at the Tasmanian Media Awards, including journalist of the year for Jessica Moran and Chris Rowbottom.

Moran and Rowbottom won for their body of work on Tasmania’s racing industry.

Along with their ABC colleagues Andy Burns and Charlotte King, they also took home best news story, best sports coverage and public service journalism at the awards announcement in Hobart on Friday night.

The ABC’s Clancy Balen was named best new journalist, with the judges praising his finessed work and use of new media platforms. Adam Langenberg won best health reporting for his ability to break high-quality health stories as well as sensitively tell the stories of those affected by health system failures, while Selina Ross was declared the winner of the best arts reporting prize thanks to an array of exclusive stories that appealed to a broad audience.

The judges said the body of work that won Moran and Rowbottom the Journalist of the Year Award was based on solid, fearless journalism.

“Curiosity sparked their initial interest, their investigations led to a range of solid, news-breaking reports which are an exemplar of quality public interest journalism,” the judges said.

“Their reporting involved ‘mud on boots’ journalism, the cultivation of dozens of sources, and the use of Right to Know laws — which unveiled uncomfortable truths in a lucrative industry.”

The ABC fielded a total of 34 finalists in the awards, which recognise creative and courageous acts of factually based journalism that seek the truth and give new insight to an issue.

The full list of ABC finalists and winners:

2024 JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

•    Jessica Moran, Chris Rowbottom, ‘Tasmania’s Racing Industry’ — WINNER

Judges’ citation: “Chris and Jess’s reports were based on solid, fearless journalism. Curiosity sparked their initial interest, their investigations led to a range of solid, news-breaking reports which are an exemplar of quality public interest journalism. Their reporting involved ‘mud on boots’ journalism, the cultivation of dozens of sources, and the use of Right to Know laws — which unveiled uncomfortable truths in a lucrative industry.”

BEST NEW JOURNALIST

•    Clancy Balen – WINNER

Judges’ citation: “The judges have awarded Clancy Balen the title of Best New Journalist for his outstanding contributions to the field. His stories, crafted with a finesse that belies his newcomer status, captivated the judges with their depth, clarity, and relevance. The judges were also impressed with Clancy’s use of new media platforms, seamlessly integrating multimedia elements to enhance the storytelling experience.”

•    Rebecca Pridham – FINALIST

BEST NEWS STORY

•    Chris Rowbottom, Jessica Moran, Andy Burns, Charlotte King, Andy Burns, ‘Inside a Racing Juggernaut: How One Trainer Dominates the Nation’s Harness Industry’ – WINNER

Judges’ citation: “‘Inside a racing juggernaut’ broke open Tasmania’s troubled harness racing industry, sending shockwaves through sporting circles and beyond. The story showcased in-depth research and hard-won insider knowledge and triggered legal action and inquiries that continued more than a year later. Its compelling presentation ensured a broad audience.”

•    Jano Gibson, ‘Collision Course: The debacle impacting Australia’s Antarctic icebreaker’ – FINALIST

ARTS REPORTING

•    Lucille Cutting – FINALIST

‘Exploring Tasmania and Japan’s relationship through a 1990’s Japanese multimillion dollar box office film Tasmania Story’.

•    Selina Ross, body of work – WINNER

Judges’ citation: “The judges were unanimous in naming Selina Ross first for her very strong intention to take her audience deeper, for her endeavours to appeal to different audiences, and for going the extra mile in achieving exclusivity, fairness and balance. Successful in pitching all three stories, Selina’s reports enabled arts stories to achieve a well-deserved wider relevance.”

SPORTS COVERAGE

•    Jessica Moran, Chris Rowbottom, Andy Burns, Charlotte King,‘Stacking the Odds: Inside a Tasmanian harness racing juggernaut’ – WINNER

Judges’ citation: “Exceptional example of persistence, attention to detail and newsroom teamwork to break an exclusive story with widespread and ongoing ramifications beyond the racing industry. The reporters are to be commended for their curiosity being piqued by a daily news event that spawned such significant reports, on the back of admirable tenacity and commitment.”

•    Chris Rowbottom, body of work – FINALIST

HEALTH REPORTING

•    Adam Langenberg – WINNER

Judges’ citation: “High-level mix of news breaking on this critical round, with a human touch. Excellent use of contacts and knowledge of issues to break stories while bringing the reader into the lives of people affected by the state’s health crisis. Well written, researched and presented.”

•    Fiona Blackwood – FINALIST

•    Kim Napier, Breaking the Silence – FINALIST

PUBLIC SERVICE JOURNALISM

•    Jessica Moran, Chris Rowbottom, Andy Burns, Charlotte King, ‘Stacking the Odds: Inside a Tasmanian harness racing juggernaut’ – WINNER

Judges’ citation: “The team who worked on the winning entry displayed considerable fortitude, determination and endurance. What began with a routine report on an accident in a regional area, unfurled into a multi-faceted, months-long investigation that hinged on gaining the trust of key sources in an environment famed for its distrust of the media. Its impact is clear, ongoing and demonstrates the continued importance of old fashioned, shoe leather journalism.”

•    Jano Gibson, ‘Collision Course: The debacle impacting Australia’s Antarctic icebreaker’ – FINALIST

BEST NEWS IMAGE

•    Maren Preuss, ‘Year in Review’ – FINALIST

COMMENT AND ANALYSIS

•    Adam Langenberg, Tasmanian Political Analysis – FINALIST

EXCELLENCE IN LEGAL REPORTING

•    Adam Holmes – FINALIST

•    April McLennan – FINALIST

FEATURE, DOCUMENTARY OR CURRENT AFFAIRS

•    Piia Wirsu, Grant Walter, Blythe Moore, Liz Gwynn, Helen Shield, ‘Expanse: From the Dead’ – FINALIST

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

•    Jano Gibson, ‘Collision course: The debacle impacting Australia’s Antarctic icebreaker’ – FINALIST

CBAA is thrilled to announce our official commitment as a supporter of the National Strategy for Volunteering. By aligning ourselves with this important initiative, we are dedicated to advancing the National Strategy’s vision and strategic objectives. We recognise the immense value of volunteering in Australia, driving positive social impact, and creating a more cohesive society.

We encourage you to join us as official supporters of the National Strategy for Volunteering. Together, we can amplify our collective impact and create lasting change in communities nationwide. Visit the Coalition of Support webpage https://volunteeringstrategy.org.au/supporters/ to pledge your support and become part of this transformative movement.

ABOUT SYN
SYN is Victoria’s youth community radio station. We provide opportunities for young Australians to broadcast their views on issues and ideas that matter to them. SYN’s staff support and develop the strength of our volunteer base who are the creators and owners of all content across our various platforms. All volunteers are under the age of 26.

Find out more about SYN here: https://www.syn.org.au/about-us

SYN FM (90.7 FM & DAB+ digital radio)
SYN operates a full-time community broadcasting licence and can be heard throughout Melbourne and Geelong on 90.7 FM and on DAB+. Our broadcast also streams live on our website, and on the Community Radio Plus app.
1. JOB SPECIFICATION
Primary Focus
The Finance Administrator is responsible for day-to-day bookkeeping and administrative tasks. Including payroll, coordinating contracts and paperwork, banking, and ensuring compliance with relevant statutory requirements and obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing account payables/receivables
• Processing banking transactions and regular bank reconciliation
• Processing payroll, SGC and PAYG
• Working with external accountant to ensure ATO obligations are met including IAS/BAS
• Working with the General Manager/Treasurer to complete EOFY processes
• Maintain reliable and accurate financial records
• Maintaining accurate asset register
• Filing and archiving of financial records
• Preparing journal entries
• Work with General Manager to complete half-yearly budget planning processes
• Organise and run quarterly financial reviews with Management Team and Treasure

Responsibilities shared with all SYN staff

• Adhere to SYN’s values
• Maintain a high standard of work practices and ensure integrity, respect and confidentiality whilst carrying out core tasks
• Work cooperatively with staff and volunteers to achieve the organisation’s objectives

SYN as an employer offers

• A culture of openness, that encourages you to ask questions, try new things and take risks – space to makes mistakes and learn
• Flexibility with ongoing personal appointments during work hours
• A professional development budget for each staff member
• Unlimited leave for COVID testing and vaccination appointments
• Unlimited paid professional development hours, we encourage staff to upskill and take opportunities that will further their career development, paying them to do so
• Flexible working from home and office policies
• A work laptop and modern office space based in Melbourne’s CBD

2. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
You take initiative, look out for things people may miss and ask the questions to move the project forward. You are driven by timelines and objectives, can work unsupervised along with enjoy collaboration. You like seeing the bigger picture impact of your work and participating in strategic conversations.

3. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential*

1. Experience operating Xero (or comparable accounting software)
2. Advanced level of understanding of bookkeeping/accounting
3. Experience in managing payroll
4. High level organisational skills and attention to detail
5. Self-motivation and the ability to work with minimal supervision
6. Well-developed excel skills
7. Emotional intelligence and tact when working on sensitive subjects

Desirable

• An understanding of the non-profit and/or social enterprise space
• Experience reporting to a board of governance

*Applicants who fill most, but not all, of the essential selection criteria are still encouraged to apply. SYN favours applicants who show capacity for growth and development within the role. If you are unsure if your skills and experience are applicable, please contact SYN’s General Manager, Ruby Smith, at ruby.smith@syn.org.au

How to apply
To apply, please download the position description and provide the following information:

• A maximum one-page cover letter, detailing why you are interested in the position with reference to the key selection criteria.
• A maximum two-page CV, including a minimum of two professional references.

Email all applications in a single PDF document to SYN’s General Manager, Ruby Smith, at gm@syn.org.au, with the subject line “Community Manager Application May 2024”.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 19th May 2024.
All applicants will be contacted within one week of the application deadline and candidates who progress to the next round will be invited to a job interview.
For more information on this position, email Ruby at gm@syn.org.au or call 03 9034 1985.

SYN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People with disabilities, people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

ABOUT SYN

SYN is Victoria’s youth community radio station. We provide opportunities for young Australians to broadcast their views on issues and ideas that matter to them. SYN’s staff support and develop the strength of our volunteer base who are the creators and owners of all content across our various platforms. All volunteers are under the age of 26.

 

Find out more about SYN here: https://www.syn.org.au/about-us

 

SYN FM (90.7 FM & DAB+ digital radio)

SYN operates a full-time community broadcasting licence and can be heard throughout Melbourne and Geelong on 90.7 FM and on DAB+. Our broadcast also streams live on our website, and on the Community Radio Plus app.

 

SYN as an employer offers

• A culture of openness that encourages you to ask questions, try new things and take risks – space to makes mistakes and learn
• Flexibility with ongoing personal appointments during work hours
• Flexible working from home and office policies
• A work laptop and modern office space based in Melbourne’s CBD

 

2. JOB SPECIFICATIOn

Primary Focus

The Community Manager is responsible for supporting the development and growth of SYN volunteers, and ensuring regular radio programming runs smoothly. Their goal is to ensure volunteers have a meaningful and positive experience of our organisation and community. The Community Manager provides day-to-day support to volunteers, organises membership data, supports volunteer communications, and supports the General Manager to develop strategies to engage more young people to participate at SYN.

This position works under the direction of and with support from the General Manager to coordinate a range of volunteer programs throughout the year, including (but not limited to) upskilling workshops, SYN Awards, SYN Camp, and the SYN Mentoring Program. The Community Manager works closely with the General Manager to support SYN’s fundraising strategy, including engaging with SYN’s community of more than 5,000 alumni. The Community Manager also supports the General Manager to develop SYN’s relationships with arts, music and youth organisations across Melbourne/Naarm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with RMIT on maintaining and continuously improving on-campus experience for SYN volunteers.
• Support the General Manager in executing SYN’s fundraising strategy, including SYN’s annual radiothon and subscriber drives.
• Provide direction and feedback to the volunteer Leadership Team.
• Support the Volunteer Programming Coordinator to ensure SYN’s radio grid runs smoothly.
• Coordinate membership renewal and collect member data.
• Coordinate SYN’s Mentoring Program, including recruiting mentees and mentors and developing industry partnerships.
• Contribute to SYNs grants strategy and support in the preparation of funding applications and acquittals.
• Coordinate event logistics for SYN volunteer events.
• Provide support and advice to SYN volunteers as needed.
• Oversee the training of new volunteers with support from SYN’s casual Induction Trainer.
• Maintain online and in-person training resources for new volunteers.
• Support the General Manager to develop relationships with Youth and Arts organisations across Melbourne/Naarm.

Responsibilities shared with all SYN staff:

• Adhere to SYN’s values of Inclusion, Innovation, Participation, Opportunity, and Independence
• Maintain a high standard of work practices and ensure integrity, respect and confidentiality whilst carrying out core tasks
• Work cooperatively with staff and volunteers to achieve the organisation’s objectives

3. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

You are passionate about media and find fulfilment in planning projects to achieve social impact. You value emotional intelligence, want to understand people’s needs and are excited by motivating and inspiring others. You enjoy coordinating projects, and can work both unsupervised and in a team environment. You look out for the things people may miss, asking questions to move the project forward, and are able to coordinate multiple tasks. You are a strategic thinker and can communicate your ideas to various audiences. You want to grow and learn new things, and as an empathetic leader you want to build a career in the community media sector.

4. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Please note that SYN is interested in candidates that have space to grow in the role. We encourage applicants to apply who may not fit all the Selection Criteria but are passionate about development.

Required

• An understanding of the community broadcasting sector and/or the broader youth, media, or arts sectors
• Experience managing projects or events and achieving project objectives to a deadline .
• Experience managing volunteers and the ability to work collaboratively with young people from a diverse range of backgrounds
• Experience in volunteer recruitment or training of volunteers / young people
• Stakeholder management skills, including the capacity to establish and maintain positive relationships with funding partners and other community organisations.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate and prioritise project deadlines and outcomes.
• Commitment to SYN’s values and a passion for young people, youth issues, participation and youth voice.
• Ability to work with flexibility at SYN’s office and from home.
• A valid employee Working with Children Check or ability to attain one.

Desirable:

• A strong network across Melbourne’s music / arts / youth sectors.
• Experience with grant funding, including drafting submissions, reaching objectives, and preparing acquittals.

How to apply
To apply, please download the position description and provide the following information:

• A maximum one-page cover letter, detailing why you are interested in the position with reference to the key selection criteria.
• A maximum one-page CV, including a minimum of two references.

Email all applications in a single PDF document to SYN’s General Manager, Ruby Smith, at gm@syn.org.au, with the subject line “Finance Administrator Application May 2024”.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 19th May 2024.
All applicants will be contacted within one week of the application deadline and candidates who progress to the next round will be invited to a job interview.
For more information on this position, email Ruby at gm@syn.org.au or call 03 9034 1985.

SYN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People with disabilities, people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.