SBS, FOX Sports and Nine launch Indigenous Sports Cadet program.

In a rare move, SBS, FOX Sports and the Nine Network have come together to create an Indigenous Sports Cadet program for 2013.

The program will see an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander journalist work as a sports cadet with SBS from January to April 2013, with FOX SPORTS from May to August and with Nine from September to December.

The Program is offered as part of SBS’s, FOX SPORTS’ and Nine’s participation in the Media Reconciliation Industry Network Group (RING), formed in 2008.

The 42 member group encompasses broadcasters, government media agencies (both state and federal), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, trade associations and guilds, media buyers and newspaper/new media groups working together to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in the media.

In 2012 the Media RING, in partnership with Screen Australia and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations launched the first stage of a two year Indigenous Employment Strategy.

The employment program, to be run by Screen Australia, will provide funding for job placements and training in the media sector.

The sports cadet will be mentored throughout the program by NITV’s Executive Producer for Sports, and former Wallabies Captain, Mark Ella.

Ella is a highly experienced mentor with Indigenous youth, and will be working with the cadet, as well as coaching management across the three networks to ensure a supportive working environment.

This position, as part of the Indigenous Employment Program that Media RING is leading, is part of a broader strategy that will see Indigenous Australians offered the opportunity to learn about careers available in the media industry and seek placement for specific positions. Participants will also receive personalised training and mentoring.

Applications are currently open and Indigenous Australians seeking a career in broadcast journalism, with a strong passion for sports, are encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will have either completed some training in journalism or media or demonstrate willingness to undertake appropriate part-time study.

For more information and to apply visit http://jobs.sbs.com.au/