ARIA-winning musician, Julian Douglas from the Panics, has swapped keyboards and guitars for NewsBoss, and singing on stage for radio news broadcasts.
Julian is just one of 17 students to complete Edith Cowan University’s one-year intensive Graduate Diploma of Broadcasting. He’s landed a job reading weekend news for Perth’s Radio 6PR, part of the Nine Radio Network.
Julian was also awarded the coveted Commercial Radio Australia prize of $2,000 cash for the most potential in commercial radio, presented to him by one of the judges, 96FM Managing Director and radio legend, Gary Roberts.
“The things the two careers have in common is a love of music and the joy of speaking to people and being able to parlay one career into the next is pretty special,” Julian said. “I knew I had a lot to learn. Until I did the course, I didn’t realise quite how much! But now I have a really solid foundation and the confidence to go ahead and try anything.”
Former Olympic Hockey player, Ashleigh Nelson has also been employed by Radio 6PR, producing weekend programs. In late February she starts her new role in the football department of the station, as the winner of the George Grjlusich Prize for sports reporting. Her prize consists of $2,000 cash and 6-months paid work.
Ashleigh will be working on AFL coverage for the station, reporting, producing and boundary riding for the footy season.
Another student is now working with Crocmedia, five more are TV news reporters at stations around the country, and one is working as an online Finance presenter. Five others are heading to Sydney to work in TV production roles with the Seven Network, ABC News Channel and Fox Sports News.
Course coordinator, Jo McManus said she is very proud of the graduating students.
“We are unashamedly preparing the next generation of broadcasters. Industry tells us they like what we’re doing, and every year our graduates are snapped up. The broadcast industry in Perth is so generous to us, offering specialist workshops, work placements and guidance throughout the year. It’s a real collaboration, and it works.”
2020 Course details here.
