A one-year course for radio programme directors is now available online for the first time, making it available to radio professionals anywhere in Asia and beyond.

Applications have opened for the 2014 intake for the course, which is a professional education initiative between the International Media & Broadcasting Academy (IMBA) and Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), both ABU members.

The PD course was developed by CRA and has been delivered in Australia by the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) for more than ten years.

It continues to be delivered in Australia by AFTRS, but is now available to international students through IMBA.

Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner says radio professionals outside Australia have been interested in doing this course for many years.

“CRA partners with IMBA to offer professional training for programme directors and managers who want to improve their own career prospects and the success of the radio industry in their country,” she says. “The PD Course has been widely credited with lifting the quality of radio industry management in Australia and the industry continues to believe it is important to offer the course internationally.”

IMBA CEO and broadcast trainer Steve Ahern, will lead the one-year online course. He says a range of high profile radio programmers will also guest lecture in online tutorials.

“This course is a path to a career in programming or management,” he says. “It has helped many professional broadcasters jump to the next level because it teaches the skills that lie behind successful staff leadership and programming theory. We look forward to applications from broadcasters throughout the Asia Pacific region to take advantage of this professional training opportunity.”

You can find application details are at www.IMBAcademy.asia.