Selection Criteria
We invite applications from aspiring, part-time or freelance journalists from across the country, including regional and remote communities. University qualifications are not essential.
When completing the application form and producing your story pitch, keep in mind these are the criteria the judges will use to select a winner:
- A demonstrated passion for broadcast journalism.
- The ability to spot and initiate a newsworthy story as evidenced by the idea in your pitch for a story for A Current Affair
- Experience in interviewing talent and researching stories.
- Experience in pitching ideas and stories.
- The ability to be part of a collaborative, busy environment.
- Written and spoken proficiency in English.
- The ability to work to frequent and rolling deadlines.
- A positive, willing and adaptable approach to the role at all times.
- Relevant work experience in the media sector will be viewed favourably.
- Work experience or contribution to wider community projects will be viewed favourably.
Terms and Conditions
- Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia, or journalists residing in Australia working for an Australian media outlet on an appropriate visa.
- There will be two rounds of judging. Judges will review all entries and select a shortlist of applicants.
- Shortlisted applicants will be required to produce 5 short ‘piece to camera’ videos answering questions about your interest in working in broadcast news journalism, and upload these for the judges to review.
- Shortlisted applicants will also be invited to attend an interview with the judging panel. If you are shortlisted, you must be available to attend the interview within the judging timeframe.
- The interviews with shortlisted candidates can be done remotely or in person.
- The winner must fulfil the entire 14 weeks of the scholarship, which will require the winner to be based in Sydney for the placements at Nine and the Walkley Foundation.
- The winner will receive a stipend of $14000 to cover living expenses for the duration of the scholarship. It will be issued directly to the scholarship recipient on a fortnightly basis by the Walkley Foundation, commencing in our pay run closest to the start of the first placement.
- All travel and accommodation costs, including travel to Sydney for the placement, will need to be funded from the stipend.
- The winner will receive a Gift Certificate to the value of $1000 for use against any AFTRS short course at AFTRS. Courses are subject to availability and AFTRS reserves the right to cancel any course for any reason at any time.
- The winner will participate in tasks assigned to them by the Walkley Foundation and Nine.
- Normal working hours will be 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or as directed by Nine and the Walkley Foundation during each respective placement.
- The winner will be covered by the Foundation’s volunteer’s insurance for the duration of their placement.
- The winner is required to keep confidential any information obtained during the course of the scholarship. This obligation shall not cease upon departure from the Walkley Foundation and Nine.
- During the entire period of the scholarship, the winner will be bound by the same obligations as regular staff members.
- On completion of the scholarship, the winner must complete an end-of-project questionnaire and provide a report for the Walkley Foundation and the program’s donors outlining how the scholarship has developed their understanding of journalism and in particular long-form journalism.
- On completion of the scholarship, the winner must also write a short report about their scholarship experience for the Walkley Foundation to use to market the scholarship in future.
Have questions? Please contact Corinne Podger, corinne.podger@walkleys.com