ARN has renamed its annual scholarship for emerging journalists in honour of Ali Drower, the respected presenter, news director and mentor who died in 2025.
The initiative formally dedicates the ARN Audio Scholarship to Drower, in partnership with The Walkley Foundation, reinforcing the broadcaster’s commitment to developing early-career reporters across radio and podcasting.
Drower worked with ARN and other leading media organisations throughout her career and was widely regarded for her advocacy of local and regional storytelling.
Following her passing last year, she has been remembered across the industry for her generosity and commitment to mentoring emerging journalists.
Honouring a newsroom legacy
ARN’s Head of News & Information, Fiona Ellis-Jones, said the dedication reflects the values Drower brought to every newsroom she touched.
“Ali Drower was a deeply respected journalist whose curiosity, insight and commitment to local storytelling shaped newsrooms across Australia. She had an exceptional ability to recognise potential – in stories, in communities and in the young journalists she mentored.
“Dedicating this scholarship in Ali’s name is a meaningful way to honour her legacy. It reflects everything she stood for – opening doors, nurturing talent and strengthening the future of audio journalism. We are proud to continue to support emerging reporters in the same spirit of generosity and excellence that defined Ali’s career.”
A commercial newsroom pathway
Originally launched last year in partnership with The Walkley Foundation, the scholarship offers early-career journalists hands-on experience in a fast-paced commercial newsroom.
The 2026 recipient will undertake a 10-week placement in one of ARN’s newsrooms around Australia, including exposure to FM news across KIIS and Gold, as well as iHeart’s news podcast Your News Now.
Participants will observe the sourcing and reporting of breaking news, write commercial-style bulletins, conduct interviews, cut audio grabs, and develop social media newsroom skills. The placement also includes a $10,000 stipend to support travel, living expenses and accommodation.
Applications will open on 2 March.
In a market where audio is increasingly multi-platform and multi-speed, the scholarship positions ARN not only as a content player but as a talent incubator – one seeking to embed newsroom craft in a commercial environment shaped by radio, podcasting and digital distribution.
It is, in many ways, a fitting tribute to a journalist who believed local stories mattered – and that the next generation should be given a microphone.
Main image: Ali Drower