AUT students dominate the NZ Radio Awards

20-year-old Auckland University of Technology student Brad Hemingway became the first student awardee at the NZ Radio Awards on Thursday evening.

Mr Hemingway, a third year radio student, won the Johnny Douglas Award for Outstanding New Talent in a Broadcasting Course, an award new to the 2018 NZ Radio Awards.

The award recognises up and coming students in the radio industry and required the submission of a 1000 word essay and a three minute audio piece for entry.

While nominees hailed from all over the country, the three finalists, Brad Hemingway, Alexander Goldsmith, and Melanie Dooley were all AUT students.

Mr Hemingwaysaid he heard about the award from his tutors and had submitted an audio clip from his first year radio course for his entrance piece.

“The audio piece was about a cat that ran away, I can’t believe that was recognised as a winning piece, it’s bizarre,” says Hemingway.

“It’s also crazy that with nominees from specialised radio broadcasting schools, all three finalists were from AUT, I think that really speaks volumes. I’ve chosen the right course”.

Finalist Alexander Goldsmith says AUT is “definitely doing something right with their radio course”.

“Perhaps we are ahead of the game because we learn all aspects of the radio business rather than just techniques and tricks. It really gives AUT an edge.”

AUT radio journalism tutor Bridget Galvin says Mr Hemingway is a “very hard worker and very humble with what he does”.

“Brad is a shining example of a student who works hard, he’s bright, enthusiastic, well liked by his peers and teachers, and most importantly he’s just really genuine,” says Mrs Galvin.

“He will go into a stellar career in media, radio, or which ever path he chooses”.

Mr Hemingway says he sees a future in radio, currently writing for MoreFM. His

$1,000 prize money will be put towards his Air NZ marathon flights to Queenstown after the university semester is over.