Labor Government backs youth voices at SYN Media

Minister for Youth Luba Grigorovitch announced on Tuesday night the state government would fund $240,000 for Student Youth Network (SYN) to keep giving young people a radio platform.

SYN Media is run for and by young people aged 12 to 26, providing them space to produce and host radio shows that broadcast on 90.7FM and digital radio.

SYN volunteers hosted a 24 Hour marathon to raise funds for the station during the radiothon campaign. (Credit: SYN Media)

SYN General Manager Jane Gazzo said the station provides a space for young people to find their voices.

“We empower young people to develop media and storytelling skills, build career pathways and create connected communities,” she said.

Alumni including Bridgette Hustwaite, Zan Rowe, Hamish and Andy, Anika Luna and Tommy Little, among others, got their start at SYN’s studios and have gone on to work for triple j, Nova, Listnr and other major media outlets.

SYN Media supported 390 people through media, production and leadership development programs and produced 1,940 radio programs over the last year.

Grigorovitch said the partnership will mean SYN can continue to provide the experience and training for Victoria’s young media makers.

“SYN is doing unique and fantastic work – giving young Victorians from every background the skills and confidence to have their say,” she said.

SYN hasn’t always had the support and backing it needed to keep the lights on.

In 2023, SYN launched its emergency ‘Save Our Station’ fundraising campaign amid the loss of critical grant funding and financial strain following the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Anika Luna, a former volunteer, told triple j at the time she wouldn’t be where she is now without SYN.

"It gives young people the free rein to create and I don't think there's anywhere in Australia, or maybe the world, that does that," she told triple j.

The emergency fundraiser raised over $60,000 with joint efforts from volunteers and staff at the station.

SYN’s latest annual report found the station had operated at a deficit of about $350,000 as a result of a more competitive sponsorship landscape, loss of grant funding and fewer donations.

Gazzo said government support had been important to SYN’s youth-led operation throughout its more than 20-year-lifetime.

The station now looks towards upgrading its transmitter, broadcast equipment and software to continue to provide young media makers a place to start their careers.