AFTRS FM launches on iHeartRadio

AFTRS Graduate Diploma in Radio students have launched their third pop-up station of the year. The talk and current affairs-focused station will be live around Australia until Friday 4 September on the iHeartRadio app and via the AFTRS FM website.

The station will broadcast indie, alternative and indigenous music each day from 8.00 am to 7.30 pm, and host a Current Affairs show at 5.00pm and 6.30pm. 

Students are operating as a hybrid team, with some working remotely and interstate due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

Fyona Smith, AFTRS head of radio, said, “AFTRS FM has COVID-19 safety measures in place to maintain social distancing without compromising on innovative top-quality radio and podcasts. The industry has been so supportive this year and we are excited to also launch our first narrative podcast series Viral Games."

The futuristic series, a collaborative project between AFTRS Radio and AFTRS Screenwriting set in the year 2028, is currently in production.

“We know there are enormous opportunities for our students in radio and podcasting, particularly with audio fiction, an area that has demonstrated rapid growth,” said Smith.

Students have been writing and developing the concept, working with Dr Pieter Aquilia, Marty Murphy, Tony Rasmussen and alumnus Karla Arnall.

During the broadcast, AFTRS students will be working with industry aircheckers: Sam Stove, Nine Radio; Karla Arnall, ACAST and Audible; Rowan Barker, Smooth 95.3; Heidi Tiltins, NOVA and Smooth, Nat Peters, Nine Radio; Felix Bray, Nine Radio; David Marchese, Triple J; Glenn Daniel, Smooth; Sian Gard, ABC; Spencer Howson, ABC; Kim Napier, The World Nomads Podcast.