CMTO worked with international audio storytelling experts Transom, to bring their world-renowned storytelling workshop to Australia for the first time.
Transom run an intensive residential training program that is unlike anything on offer in the southern hemisphere. The CMTO has worked with Transom since 2013, sharing resources and expertise to develop long-form narrative storytelling resources for use in the delivery of the Certificate IV in Screen and Media and the CBAA National Features and Documentary Mentorship program.
A number of Australian community broadcasters have travelled to the United States to undertake the Transom Travelling Workshop and Transom’s 9-week Story Workshop, which is considered a career-launch pad for aspiring radio and podcast producers.
The CMTO worked with Atlantic Public Media in the United States and Transom lead trainer, Rob Rosenthal to bring the workshop to Australia.
The team organised an 8-day residential retreat in Glenelg, South Australia, for 10 participants to develop skills in story-craft, interviewing, scripting, field recording, critical listening, editorial judgement, audio editing and mixing.
The workshop was also developed to have a focus on pitching stories and developing freelance skills. ABC RN producer and Transom Alumni, Georgia Moodie came on board as the training assistant, to support Rob Rosenthal in delivery.
Applications were sought from across the world and selection was undertaken by Transom, with CMTO advising on the priority for producers with a background in Australian Community Broadcasting. Two positions in the workshop were also reserved for applicants who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and/or an applicant that broadcasts in a language other than English.
Thirty-seven applications were received, and the 10 participants selected were:
• Vanita Sathasivam- former CBAA National Features and Documentary Producer and 2RRR Broadcaster, Sydney, NSW
• Benjamin Erin, Station Manager 8CCC, Alice Springs, NT
• Jacqui Pham, former 2XX Broadcaster, Canberra, ACT
• Melanie Bakewell, Adelaide, SA
• Tiarne Cook, former Radio Adelaide Trainee, Adelaide, SA
• Zacha Rosen, FBi Broadcaster, Sydney, NSW
• Christopher Crebbin, Yarning Country and Nunga Wangga Broadcaster, Radio Adelaide, Adelaide, SA
• Gavin Ivey, Koori Radio Program Manager, Sydney NSW
• Oliva Rosenman, 2SER Podcaster, Sydney, NSW
• Bonnie Au, Sustainability Asia, Hong Kong
The course was a unique learning experience that has pushed a group of community radio volunteers and workers to expand their skills set, work outside their comfort zone and come together for an intensive learning experience.
Listen to the work they produced here:
All producers recieved a complimentary licence for Hindenburg Journalist, thanks to Hindenburg Systems.
Produced with the assistance of the Department of Communications and the Arts via the Community Broadcasting Foundation – cbf.com.au