The Power of Audio: Radio, Podcasting & the Future of Listening

What makes audio such a powerful medium for storytelling and connection? From traditional radio to modern podcasting, explore how audio amplifies diverse voices, brings communities together and creates meaningful experiences for listeners in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

Join industry professionals as they share insights into the creativity, challenges and opportunities shaping today's audio industry. Discover how changing audience habits, emerging platforms and new approaches to storytelling are influencing the future of radio, podcasting and the way we listen.

Panel Guests:

• David Hua – David Hua is an Australian media executive with more than 20 years of experience in broadcasting, digital media and content leadership. He previously served as Director of Audio and Language Content at SBS, overseeing multilingual programming across more than 60 languages. His career also includes senior leadership roles at the ABC, where he managed international broadcasting services across radio, television and digital platforms.
• Pariyah Taherzadeh – Pariya Taherzadeh is an internationally award-winning executive podcast producer, audio storyteller and founder of the SONARR Awards, celebrating excellence across Australia's audio industry. Her work spans ABC, triple j, Mamamia and independent podcast productions, with three Gold and Silver awards collectively at the New York Festivals Radio Awards. An AFTRS graduate and educator, she also mentors emerging audio professionals and champions diverse voices in Australian media.
• Matthew Petherick – Matthew Petherick is an Australian commercial radio professional with experience in content leadership, programming and broadcast operations at ARN, including KIIS 1065. He was part of the award-winning team behind Kyle & Jackie O's Get Vaxxed Baby! campaign, which received Best Multimedia Execution – Station at the 2022 Australian Commercial Radio Awards. His professional background spans radio content development, audience engagement and broadcast production.

About the Event:

Hosted by TAFE Diploma of Screen and Media students, this event forms part of a real-world industry project designed to provide practical experience in media production, interviewing, live events and content creation. Throughout the day, students will host panel discussions, engage with industry professionals, ask questions and produce media content surrounding the event.

The session aims to be less of a formal lecture and more of an authentic industry conversation, offering attendees the opportunity to hear honest insights, ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of how broadcasting and audio media are evolving and what the future holds for the industry.

Whether you're interested in radio, podcasting or digital storytelling, this forum offers valuable insights into the evolving media industry and its future.

Livestream Available
If you can’t attend on campus or are joining from another location, you’ll be able to watch the event via YouTube livestream. The viewing link will be provided in a reminder email two days before the event.

Want to see more?
We have panels running throughout the day! Check the links below for more information and to register.

1. Beyond the Headline: Trust, Truth & Modern Journalism
2. Cut Through the Scroll: How Creators Get Noticed
3. From Student to Professional: Mythbusting Life After TAFE

Info: From newsroom ethics to AI and misinformation, explore the challenges shaping modern journalism and the importance of truth and trust.

Info: What does it take to stand out online? Discover how creators break through the noise, grow audiences and turn content into opportunity.

Info: What makes audio so powerful? Discover how radio and podcasts connect audiences, amplify voices and transform the way we experience stories.

Info: Explore the challenges, surprises and opportunities of life after TAFE as alumni share the realities of building a career in media.

Event venue & nearby stays

TAFE NSW - 1 Mary Ann Street, Ultimo, 2007, NSW, Australia

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

Get the app →