In conjunction with RMIT and the National Indigenous Radio Service (NIRS), McGuire Media has announced new pathways set to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and School of Media and Communication students with real industry experience in Australian Football League (AFL) radio production.
The two-year program is aimed at increasing opportunities for Indigenous students along with other media students and former AFL players to enter AFL broadcasting in both commentary and game day production roles.
RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Martin Bean CBE said the new partnership would give students the chance to work hand-in-hand with industry experts on the broadcast of AFL games.
“As a University of technology, design and enterprise, RMIT provides transformative experiences that prepare our students for the real world of work,” Martin said.
“Through hands-on experiences as part of this new industry partnership with McGuire Media, our students will be working in the broadcast of one of Australia’s top sports with some of the best in the business. It is a unique and creative way for students to get ready for life and work.”
“This partnership’s strong links to the AFL’s Indigenous community supports our commitment to provide real pathways and opportunities for our Indigenous students.”
McGuire Media chairman Eddie McGuire said the company was delighted to form a partnership with RMIT, NIRS and the AFL to create a world-first pathway program for Indigenous footballers and students who dream of a career in broadcast media.
“Some of the greatest personalities and heroes in AFL history have been Indigenous players, and while there have been niche positions within media, we hope to prepare the next generation of qualified, experienced and dynamic media performers and professions, both on and off air,” McGuire said.
Head of NIRS Andrew Underwood said he was excited about the partership and the pathways it would provide both students and footballers.
“Last year we made radio history by having a fully Indigenous team call the AFL Grand Final and we will continue striving to provide opportunities for current and former players to be involved in the media," Underwood said.
“The new partnership with RMIT and Jam TV will also open up new pathways for Indigenous students to get exposure in the media industry via the training program that will be developed.
“We look forward to the day when we will hear and see more Indigenous people on commercial TV and radio for AFL games and encourage our commercial counterparts to embrace the very talented pool of people.” The AFL has announced its matches will continue to be broadcast to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country for the next two years thanks to the new partnership.
As a result of the new partnership, the AFL has announced its matches will continue to be broadcast to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country for the next two years.
AFL General Manager Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said the new program would help provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and former players increased opportunity in the media landscape.
“The NIRS has been broadcasting AFL matches to Indigenous communities across the country for over 20 years, and the new partnership with McGuire Media in conjunction with RMIT is a step forward in providing increased opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait students,” Ms Hosch said.
“This is an important step in addressing the need and value for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be represented across our football media landscape.
“Real industry experiences is invaluable when learning the media landscape and the AFL is pleased McGuire Media and the NIRS are continuing to invest in Indigenous pathways and provide increased opportunities for both students and former AFL players.”
Match day experience for School of Media and Communication students will commence in 2020.
Story: Karen Phelan
