The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) is calling for applications from  Australian community radio producers in the eighth annual instalment of the CBAA National  Features and Documentary Series (NFDS). 

Applications are now closed. 

Since 2013, the project has developed, showcased and distributed original work by emerging  Australian community radio producers. Telling stories of their communities, participants are trained  and mentored to take their audio storytelling skills—planning, recording, scripting and creative  production—to a new level.  

Applications will be assessed by an esteemed selection panel of representatives from across the  sector, including representatives from First Nations Media Australia, RPH Australia, National Ethnic  and Multicultural Broadcaster’s Council, and Christian Media & Arts Australia. 

Over 2021, successful applicants will be trained and mentored by the Community Media Training  Organisation (CMTO) to turn their idea into a new, 12-minute feature, played for a national audience.  

“The NFDS is a really great opportunity if there is a story or  idea that you can’t necessarily shape but is staying with you.  This was my opportunity to explore my idea with the  

training and support that was available, and share it as a  radio story” says MJ Bakewell, winner of the 2020 series. 

The final pieces will be distributed and heard on community radio stations at the end of the year. Past years are available to listen back to on all major podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, YouTube,  TuneIn and iHeart Radio). 

The series is produced with the assistance of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional  Development and Communications via the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF). 

For more information, please contact Abe Killian, CBAA’s Content Services Manager on 02 9310  2999 or email [email protected].