AFTRS Graduate Diploma Radio Students have launched their final two-week broadcast, NEXT airing nationally on iHeartRadio.
NEXT is a commercial radio station built from the ground up entirely by the students and is their fourth and final broadcast of the course. The well-regarded Graduate Diploma in Radio course at AFTRS strives to provide hands-on and industry-focused learning, preparing the next generation of Radio and Podcast professionals for the evolving and diverse industry ahead.
Students have identified a viable gap in the Sydney market and designed an indie-pop and commercial music sweet spot, for a 25-29-year-old target market. NEXT’s content focus is on current affairs, pop-culture, news, environmental and social issues.
AFTRS Head of Radio Fyona Smith encourages industry to visit the website to talent scout and says “NEXT is a unique station that combines pop culture and current affairs with an ultimate playlist. Content is curated to reflect modern Australia and includes a series of original podcasts”.
Students have created the website, audio and brand logos and all social media content.
Industry professionals working with the students to develop ideas, provide advice and feedback have included Nicole McClure, Executive Producer of NOVA’s Kate, Tim and Marty; Dave Evans, Music Director at Star 1045 Central Coast; Mitchell Coombs, Digital Content and Video Producer for KIIS’s Kyle & Jackie O Show; Nic Kelly, Operations and Announcer at 2DayFM; Masako Fukui, Independent Writer and Producer; and Madeline Joannou, Audio Creative for ABC MADE.
Breakfast announcer, Dana Hamilton says, “It’s incredible to think how far we have all come since our first broadcast at the Sydney Royal Easter show in April. NEXT is an original station that we are all so proud of. I really think we are ready for what’s next!”
Renelle Mower, Content Director, says “I’m so proud of the team, it is amazing to see how multiskilled they’ve become and the high quality of work they’re producing. NEXT is a real collaboration and the culmination of everything we’ve learned this year. It is a station that has a fresh take on music and youth-focused content.”
Listen live on iHeartRadio here.