Star Rises on AFTRS’ Student at ASTRA awards

Young AFTRS’ media student, Fiona Lawson-Baker, has been presented with a Rising Talent award at the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) Awards in Sydney.

The emerging television producer, who is due to graduate from AFTRS at the end of this month, was chosen from a pool of 6 television producing students to win a Sony MV Handycam. She began her tv career at the BBC in London and, after returning to Australia, enrolled at AFTRS to hone her producing skills and focus on interactive and digital television.

ASTRA, the representative body for subscription tv and radio services, joined forces with AFTRS (Australian Film, Television and Radio School) this year to make the inaugural award.

The ASTRA Awards highlight creativity, commitment and investment in production and broadcasting, covering six categories: Programming, Talent, Production, Marketing, Promotions and Publicity, and Hall of Fame.

ASTRA Executive Director, Debra Richards, says “the number of entries has almost trebled in a year, reflecting the high standard we have come to expect. To receive an ASTRA award is fast becoming a coveted prize.”

Panels of leading subscription TV, radio and advertising professionals judge the awards, and some are also determined by popular vote.

Guests at the red carpet awards’ night included Sigrid Thornton, Mike Hammond and Nick Greiner.