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With a content portfolio like no other media organisation in the country, SBS occupies multiple channels and platforms, and provides a unique opportunity for employees to help make Australia a better place to live.

2025 SBS Indigenous Journalism Cadetship

The SBS Indigenous Journalism Cadetship is culturally and financially supported by NITV

This is an identified role and applicants must identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.  SBS considers that being Aboriginal and/or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

At SBS, we embrace difference, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. SBS is the home of National Indigenous Television (NITV). We acknowledge the unique contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to our society and our workplace through their enduring and continued connection to land, sea, sky, and community. 

We also acknowledge the unique contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to our society and our workplace through their enduring and continued connection to land, sea, sky and community.

 About Us

SBS is one of the world's most unique and innovative media organisations, producing trusted, meaningful and engaging content that exists for all Australians to inspire, support and celebrate the diversity of our multicultural society. 

Our purpose, for the last 49 years, has reflected and explored the evolving diversity of Australia, investing in initiatives to deepen its connections with communities, sharing their stories and giving a voice to those often unheard, with the aim of increasing understanding and respect of the differences that make up Australia.

SBS is a truly distinctive network, showcasing multicultural, multilingual and First Nations stories otherwise untold in the Australian media.

The Department

Our highly regarded News and Current Affairs division is offering 12-month Cadetships to recent graduates who want to build careers in broadcast and digital journalism.

About NITV

NITV has a distinct identity and unique purpose as part of the SBS network and is primarily produced by, for and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; in turn promoting an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to all Australians.   

NITV first launched as the National Indigenous broadcaster in 2007 and in 2012, became a part of the SBS network – becoming available to all Australians on free-to-air television.  Not only did this improve accessibility for Indigenous people, it made NITV available to all Australians - showcasing the oldest continuous culture on Earth, and in particular facilitating connections with the newest Australians. 

NITV’s purpose is to shape the Australian identity, amplify First Nations stories and place, and connect with those that call Australia home. In doing so, NITV seeks to grow its audiences and channels, sharing authentic, meaningful stories that continue to heal and celebrate, cleanse, grow and inspire Australia’s identity and purpose. 

The Role

The successful applicants will join SBS in early 2025 and will be exposed to a number of platforms including TV, Radio and Online. SBS’s News and Current Affairs teams are predominantly based in our Sydney offices although Cadets also undertake placements in our Canberra and Melbourne bureaus, and NITV news, current affairs programs (Dateline and Insight), as well as SBS’s multilingual programs.  

As part of a team and under direction, Cadets will contribute to SBS News and Current Affairs programs and website in a variety of ways, including researching, producing, and reporting.

The role is structured to include rostered evening and weekend work to support the needs of a busy 24/7 news operation.

About you

The successful candidates will have completed tertiary qualifications in Journalism or another relevant specialty by January 2025, and ideally have some experience in television, radio and/or online reporting or production.

Applicants must have a sound knowledge of national and international affairs, be passionate about news and impactful storytelling, be effective written and verbal communicators, and be able to demonstrate determination, initiative, and curiosity by generating story ideas. A familiarity with SBS’s News and Current Affairs programming is expected.

The ability to speak a second language and/or have experience of another culture or cultures is also highly desirable.

Candidates from under-represented backgrounds (in the sector) are valued to reflect through their reporting the diversity of people, experiences and unique expertise in contemporary Australia, aligning with SBS’s Charter.

Aligned with SBS’s Inclusion Plan, candidates identifying as First Nations Australians, women, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disability, people of diverse sexuality & gender identities including LGBTQI+, people from under-represented locations (including regional & remote areas), and people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Cadetships are offered for one year with no guarantee of ongoing employment. However, those who successfully complete the program may be considered for any relevant vacancies within SBS News and Current Affairs.

The Duty Statement and Selection Criteria for these positions may be viewed on SBS’s website www.sbs.com.au/jobs   

Your application must include:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume, outlining journalism & media experience and qualifications
  • Video/Audio examples of your television, radio and/or online news reporting, or your show-reel, should be posted on a site such as YouTube, Vimeo or Flickr
  • A piece-to-camera. This is a pre-requisite for the application. This can be a news story, pre-recorded live cross or simply an introduction to you, highlighting your reasons for applying.

Please provide the link/s to your examples in your cover letter.

Short-listed candidates will be required to provide two employment and/or academic referees.

Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia.

Applications for this position will close on Friday 1 November COB.

Late applications will not be accepted in any circumstances.

For further information please contact Karen Seaton Karen.Seaton@sbs.com.au and Florencia Melgar Florencia.Melgar@sbs.com.au

As an equal opportunity employer, SBS prioritises providing a supportive working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We strive to make reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to get in touch with Karen Seaton and Florencia Melgar on the above details.

Feel like you meet most, but perhaps not all the criteria listed? Then, send through your detail as whilst we have specific requirements in mind, we can look at how we can bridge the gaps!

Some of the reasons to consider working with us:

  • The people! We truly celebrate and welcome difference at SBS and encourage everyone to bring their whole self to work & you’ll be part of one of the most inclusive companies in Australia!
  • The culture and the engagement of our workforce! 93% of our employees have stated that they are proud to work for SBS!  
  • We offer a range of benefits from, health care checks, salary packaging, Employee Assistance Programme, flexible work arrangements and discounted gym membership nationally with Fitness Pass. 
  • We’re agile and innovative in the way we work, as well as being a trusted and established brand. At SBS we have been broadcasting for over 49 years and our future is packed with many more exciting developments!
  • We also love to promote from within! We have allocated training funds to do just that and help bridge the gaps when moving from role to role.

Want to learn more? Then hit apply and take the first step to applying not just for another job but a possible whole new career in a purpose led organisation.

For other opportunities within our organisation please visit our careers website SBS Careers - Working at SBS

Reasonable adjustments

As an equal opportunity employer, SBS prioritises providing a supportive working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.

SBS recognises that everyone is unique, and you might require some adjustments to ensure you have the best opportunity to apply and put your skills forward for consideration. If we can make adjustments to the SBS recruitment/interview process to, provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process, please contact careers@sbs.com.au, Karen Seaton and Florencia Melgar on the above details. 

Adjustments include but are not limited to, alternative application methods, interview setups, physical requirements, guidance for trans or gender diverse applicants, specific interview availability times and more.

To find out more about reasonable adjustments with SBS, please view our video here.

We are shortlisting applications as they come in, so don’t delay, apply today! 

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