2020 RSN Steve Cairns intern is April Austen

2020 RSN Steve Cairns intern is April Austen

An up-and-coming young sports journalist April Austen has been awarded the annual Steve Cairns Internship at the Racing & Sports Network.

Sports broadcaster Steve Cairns, who died suddenly in 2015, had a history of supporting young journalists in his close to two decades as program manager at RSN.

In memory of Cairns, RMIT’s journalism program and RSN 927AM have awarded a one month paid scholarship to April to do an internship as part of her Journalism Professional Placement course in 2020.

April, who’s entering her final year of the Bachelor of Communications (Journalism), would love a career as a sports journalist and has a particular interest in horse racing.

RSN927’s Content Director Adam White said the high calibre of candidates was another example of the quality of journalism students that RMIT continues produce.

“Congratulations to April on being awarded the Steve Cairns Scholarship for 2020 and we hope her time at the station can help her gain a greater understanding of the many elements of 24 hour a day radio station.”

Journalism Professional Placement Lecturer Sonja Heydeman said it’s fantastic to see industry partners like RSN provide exceptional paid learning opportunities for students.

“RSN provides a wonderful professional development opportunity through the Steve Cairns scholarship, ensuring financial support for the recipient and the chance to work side-by-side with experienced journalists and producers,” Heydeman said.

“RMIT offers all Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) and Graduate Diploma in Journalism students internship opportunities through connections with hundreds of industry partners. Students who have interned with RSN have gone on to outstanding industry careers,” she said.

Austen said she feels honoured to receive the scholarship.

“I am extremely excited to have received the Steve Cairns Scholarship. Working in racing journalism has been my dream for a very long time and it is incredible to think that soon I will be getting hands-on experience and learning from some of the best in the business. I can't wait for this opportunity and am so thankful to everyone that has helped me along the way," Austen said.

RSN logo and portrait photo of Steve Cairns
April Austen, portrait. April Austen

Story and photo: Marie-Elise McCallum, Bachelor of Communication (Media) Student

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

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