AFTRS radio students launch new pop-up on iHeartRadio

AFTRS FM is now live, and the third pop-up station of 2020 from AFTRS Graduate Diploma in Radio students will run through til September 4.

The station is focussed on talk and current affairs, runs from 8am – 7.30pm each day.

It can be streamed at iHeartRadio and the AFTRS FM website, and also includes a current affairs show at 5.00pm and 6.30pm.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, students are working as a hybrid team with some working remotely and interstate, but AFTRS head of radio Fyona Smith says the students have responded well to changing circumstances.

“AFTRS FM has COVID-19 safety measures in place to maintain social distancing without compromising on innovative top-quality radio and podcasts,” Smith said.

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).

Smith also took the opportunity to announce a new collaborative project between AFTRS Radio and AFTRS Screenwriting set in the year 2028.

“Industry has been so supportive this year and we are excited to also launch our first narrative podcast series Viral Games,” she said.

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

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