Student wins memorial prize and internship

Third year Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) student Emily Collin has been selected as the first recipient of the annual Steve Cairns Memorial Award.

The award, a paid internship at the Melbourne-based broadcaster RSN 927AM, was established this year in memory of the broadcaster.

Cairns had a history of supporting young journalists and was an important role model for some of Victoria’s most prominent sporting commentators.

Collin will not only get hands-on experience at RSN 927 AM, she will also receive a $1000 cash prize.

In her application Collin wrote of growing up in a sports-centric family, where she was encouraged to immerse herself in the participation and observation of sports. 

“The prospect of completing an internship at RSN in memory of Steve Cairns is enticing, as I believe that spending time in a workplace on a daily basis is the most effective way of learning and developing skills. 

“In addition to this, it is no secret that RSN is one of the most respected platforms for sports broadcasting, so, on a personal and professional level, I am very excited to have been selected for a placement at RSN,” Collin said.

RSN927's Program Manager John Thwaites congratulated Collin on her selection.

"We look forward to offering Emily first-hand experience in many facets of our business, from the production of news and radio programs to the management of our various social media platforms."

RMIT Journalism Program Manager, Dr Philip Dearman, said the selection of Collin was made because of her enthusiasm in sport.

“Emily is committed to sports journalism and has already completed a significant internship with Tennis Australia.”

“We are confident that Emily will be a great ambassador for journalism at RMIT,” Dearman said.

During her internship at RSN 927AM in June, Collin will spend four weeks at the station where she will be involved in the production of the breakfast program, the news, programming and social media areas. 

Story: Wendy Little