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The ARN Audio Scholarship

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, keep in mind these are the criteria the judges will use to select a winner:

  • A demonstrated passion for audio journalism.
  • An affinity for news and entertainment, and strong interest in a career in the commercial news industry. 
  • The ability to spot and initiate a news or entertainment story.
  • Experience in interviewing talent and researching stories.
  • Experience in pitching ideas and stories.
  • The ability to be part of a collaborative, busy environment and do shift work when required. 
  • Written and spoken proficiency in English.
  • The ability to work to frequent and rolling deadlines.
  • A positive, willing and adaptable approach to the role.
  • Relevant work experience in the media sector or in wider community projects will be viewed favourably.

Terms and Conditions

  • Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia, or early career journalists residing in Australia working for an Australian media outlet on an appropriate visa.
  • Applicants must be early career journalists with a strong interest in a career in audio journalism 
  • 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 audio 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 be able to participate in the scholarship for the entire 10-week period between August 2025 and August 2026. Dates to be agreed with the Walkley Foundation and ARN.
  • The scholarship will be undertaken at an ARN newsroom location in Australia convenient to the winner. 
  • The winner must fulfil the entire 10 weeks of the scholarship. 
  • The winner will receive a stipend of $10,000 to cover living expenses for the duration of the scholarship, and travel to the ARN location. 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 the location for the placement, will need to be funded from the stipend. 
  • The winner will participate in tasks assigned to them by the participating ARN newsroom. 
  • The winner will be required to work a 37.5 hour week, including shifts as directed by the ARN newsroom. 
  • 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 ARN newsroom placement. 
  • During the 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.