October 7, 2026
A passion for regional stories sees Anna Rixon receive WIN News Broadcast Scholarship
UOW journalism student named recipient of $10,000 WIN News Broadcast Scholarship
A passion for giving a voice to people and communities that are often overlooked will take second-year University of Wollongong (UOW) journalism student Anna Rixon into the WIN News newsroom as the recipient of the WIN News Broadcast Scholarship.
The WIN Network is Australia’s largest privately owned commercial television network, providing entertainment and news services to more than ten million viewers in all states and territories across the country.
The scholarship is designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice in broadcast journalism. It provides a $10,000 stipend and six weeks of full-time experience inside the WIN News Wollongong newsroom and will see Anna work alongside professional journalists and put her university skills into practice. She will also have the chance to contribute to the news bulletin.
Anna is a Bachelor of Communication and Media student and is completing two majors in Journalism and Screen Media Production. She said the scholarship comes as she is deciding the kind of journalist she wants to be.
“I originally thought I’d want to be an entertainment journalist but as I’ve gotten further into my studies, I’ve gotten way more interested in regional journalism and platforming the people, voices and stories that otherwise go unheard,” she said.
Anna said she was particularly excited by WIN News’ connection to local communities and the opportunity to discover different kinds of stories.
“I think that is why I am drawn to regional news, because we’re bombarded with so much information from the major cities that often these smaller voices don’t get the chance to be heard,” she said.
WIN News National News Director Stella Lauri, who formed part of the scholarship selection panel, said it was a wonderful opportunity to support the next generation of journalist talent in the Illawarra.
“Regional news is incredibly important because it keeps communities informed and provides people who otherwise wouldn't be heard with a voice. We're always impresseed by the calibre of UOW journalism graduates," she said.
“We’re excited to welcome Anna into the WIN News newsroom and support her as she takes her first steps into the industry.”
The scholarship builds on a long-standing partnership between WIN and UOW’s journalism program.
UOW journalism lecturer Dr Shawn Burns said getting to experience the industry while studying makes a significant difference to students at beginning their careers.
“We are enormously grateful to WIN and its continued commitment to our students, our program, and local news,” Dr Burns said.
“There is no substitute for meaningful experience in a daily newsroom and the scholarship will give Anna the chance to build her skills, confidence, and understanding of what it takes to work as a journalist.”
Anna feels lucky to have received the scholarship and credits her tutors’ support throughout her degree for encouraging her to apply.
“I didn't realise just how many amazing opportunities were actually available to us while still studying,” she said.
“It's made graduating and entering the workforce feel a lot less daunting.”
The WIN News Broadcast Scholarship is open annually to eligible UOW Communications and Media students who aspire to build a career in broadcast journalism.