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Radio Journalist Cover Letter Template

Professional template and example for Australian job applications

Radio Journalist Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager, I’ve spent the last few years reporting in the field and behind the mic, and I know how to turn a good story into something listeners want to hear. At my current role I helped build a daily radio package that covered local issues from council meetings to community responses, and we boosted listener engagement by about a third over six months using tight timelines and clear sourcing. I’m drawn to this role because I value rigorous fact-checking, practical investigative notes, and clean, accessible scripting. I’m comfortable gathering material from interviews, public records, and on-site observations, then turning it into concise news items and longer features. I’m also familiar with ethical judgement in fast turning broadcasts and keeping public-interest material front and centre. A recent project illustrates my approach. We broke a multi-part story about housing affordability that required cross-checking data from council minutes, tenant groups, and regulators. I coordinated the research, fact-checked every claim, and delivered two minutes of radio with reporter-friendly quotes and clear source credits. The package aired with strong audience feedback and helped shape subsequent public discussion at council meetings. I’d be keen to discuss how my background aligns with [Company Name] and how I can contribute to your team. I’m available for a chat at your convenience and can provide examples of clips and scripts on request. Kind regards, [Your Name]

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What happens next: Our AI will match your skills to the job requirements, highlight relevant achievements, and create a compelling narrative that positions you as the ideal candidate.

Why This Radio Journalist Cover Letter Works

Opening Paragraph

Hook with specific achievement + role alignment

Skills Match

Maps experience to job needs + company research

STAR Example

Situation-Task-Action-Result with numbers

Professional Close

Forward momentum + availability

Key Requirements for Radio Journalist Roles

Essential Skills to Highlight

Make sure your cover letter demonstrates these key skills:

Interview TechniquesFact-checkingInvestigative ResearchAnalytical ThinkingData GatheringSource EvaluationObservational SkillsWritten ReportingRadio ScriptingAudio EditingBroadcast JournalismEthical JudgementPublic-interest KnowledgeDeadline Management

Tip: Include specific examples of how you've used these skills in your STAR example paragraph.

Core Responsibilities to Address

Align your experience with these typical responsibilities:

  • Collects Facts From Interviews
  • Collects Facts From Printed Matter
  • Collects Facts From Investigations
  • Collects Facts From Observations
  • Analyses Facts About Newsworthy Events
  • ...and more

Tip: Reference 2-3 of these responsibilities when describing your relevant experience.

Radio Journalist Cover Letter Best Practices

Structure (4 Paragraphs)

Opening (40-60 words): State the role and company, plus one compelling hook
Match (100-130 words): Map 2-3 achievements to their top requirements
Proof (80-100 words): One detailed STAR example with quantified results
Close (30-40 words): Confirm fit and invite discussion

Essential Requirements

  • • Length: 250-350 words (one A4 page)
  • • Australian English spelling and dates (DD/MM/YYYY)
  • • Address to specific person when possible
  • • No photos or personal details (DOB, etc.)

What Makes It Strong

  • • Specific achievements with numbers
  • • Company research in second paragraph
  • • Keywords from the job description
  • • Professional but personable tone

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Generic opening lines
  • • Repeating your CV chronologically
  • • Including salary unless asked
  • • Exceeding one page