Since graduating from the AFTRS Graduate Diploma in Media in 1989, Anita Jacoby has established herself as a force in the Australian media landscape, producing a strong portfolio of impactful programs (60 Minutes, Enough Rope, The Gruen Transfer, Hungry Beast), and engaging stories on some of the most impressive people on the planet (Sir David Attenborough, Stephen Spielberg, Dame Helen Mirren).
Despite her celebrated talent, Anita humbly describes her career as “fortunate”, which is one of the reasons she is now paying it forward to emerging female leaders in industry through a range of diverse roles and initiatives, including her own personally funded AFTRS scholarship.
The Anita Jacoby Trailblazer Scholarship, for new or continuing Master of Arts Screen: Business students, is now open to outstanding female-identifying or gender-diverse student applicants from across Australia who can demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and entrepreneurship. The first scholarship is open to 2025 Mid-Year applicants, and a second scholarship will be offered for Semester 1, 2026.
Anita said she was honoured to be able to “give back” to AFTRS, and to a promising female leader, through this scholarship, which provides financial support for living expenses, educational resources or other related costs.
“I’ve had a really fortunate career, and I just think if you’ve had a fortunate career in an industry that you love, you should try and put something back into that industry, so that others can benefit from it,” Anita said.
“I completed the Graduate Diploma in Media over three years part-time, and I was probably one of the only people working in television who ever undertook this course. It definitely helped upskill me and I have always appreciated the lectures that I went to, the talented people that I intersected with and what I learned through undertaking many industry short courses. I think it made me a better producer, a better executive producer, and a better manager in the media sector as a result.”
One of Australia’s most distinguished producers and media executives, Anita’s career has spanned more than 35 years, creating and producing award-winning content across multiple platforms. Formerly an Associate Member of the Australian Communications and Media Authority and a Board member of Chief Executive Women, she currently chairs the ABC Advisory Council and Women in Media, and is a Board member of the Public Interest Journalism Initiative (PIJI), Documentary Australia and the UK-based Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation.
As a leading advocate for women in media and leadership, Anita has truly blazed the trail for future female leaders.
“When I started out in commercial television, there were virtually no women as senior leaders or leaders in the industry to look up to,” Anita said.
“I recognise that women are incredibly important in the media sector – our perspectives, the way we see the world and our storytelling – and this should be celebrated. So I like to support and mentor other women who are starting out in their careers, to give them an opportunity that they might not otherwise have to really excel.
“I feel personally committed to this because women should be afforded these sorts of opportunities, especially in the current climate with DEI. I would like to see more women getting an opportunity to embrace their careers and become the best versions of themselves, both personally and professionally.”
Anita said it was “critical” to offer scholarships at institutions like AFTRS because “unless you’ve got the networks and the contacts to get into broadcasters, streamers, films, productions, whatever your area of passion is, it can be very difficult to get that foot in the door. Scholarships like these are vital.”
AFTRS CEO Dr Nell Greenwood said she was delighted to welcome the Anita Jacoby Trailblazer Scholarship to the School’s scholarship program.
“This is such an exciting scholarship because we know that access to an AFTRS education can be transformative, and these kinds of scholarships make all the difference in students being able to study with us. I completely share Anita’s commitment to supporting female talent in the media and screen industries – access and equity are critical to the success and richness of our creative communities,” she said.
“We are so grateful to Anita for her generous support in this area, which offers an incredible opportunity for a future female leader to follow in her very inspirational footsteps.”
The Anita Jacoby Trailblazer Scholarship is open for the MASB mid-year intake and applications are being accepted until June 10. Full-time and part-time applicants are eligible to apply.
To learn more about the Anita Jacoby Trailblazer Scholarship, please visit:
Anita Jacoby Trailblazer Scholarship
Other scholarships currently accepting applications include Equity Scholarships and First Nations Scholarships, both supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust, and the HOYTS Group First Nations Scholarship. For more information see AFTRS Scholarships.
