Future broadcasters get a taste of life at NZBS
17 七月, 2026
From mock press conferences and TV talk shows to producing radio ads, the New Zealand Broadcasting School's annual On Air Workshops give future media talent real industry insights.
Senior secondary school students from across Aotearoa got a behind-the-scenes look at the world of media during the New Zealand Broadcasting School's annual On Air Workshops in Christchurch.
Held during the school holidays, the three-day programme gives students interested in broadcasting the opportunity to experience life at NZBS while exploring journalism, radio and screen production through a series of hands-on workshops.
From grilling officials at a mock emergency press conference to producing television talk shows and creating radio commercials, participants gained practical experience across the three disciplines while working alongside NZBS staff and current students.
The programme began with journalism, where students learned what makes a story newsworthy before putting their reporting skills to the test by writing news stories and presenting pieces to camera.
On day two, students stepped into the world of screen production, learning everything from camera operation and floor management to directing, vision mixing and sound production before producing their own talk shows in Ara's television studios.
The workshops concluded with radio and audio production, where students explored career opportunities in broadcasting and entertainment before writing, voicing and producing their own advertising campaigns.
New Zealand Broadcasting School Programme Leader Karen Neill said the annual workshops are designed to give students a genuine taste of studying media at Ara.
"We loved hosting the On Air Workshops and introducing high school students to the world of media, giving them hands-on experience and a taste of what life at NZBS is all about."
Neill said the workshops also help students explore potential study and career pathways before leaving school.
"It's always exciting to see students try new skills, discover new interests and build confidence while working in a real broadcasting environment. We hope to see some of them back at Ara in the future."
Applications for New Zealand Broadcasting School programmes starting in 2027 are now open.