Stephen Ahern

Australian specialist broadcast training company Ahern Media & Training Pty Ltd (AMT) has played a crucial role in the launch of Afghanistan's first professional media training institution, Nai Media Institute (NMI). As the troops pull out of Afghanistan, media will play an important role in the reconstruction of the country. To win people's hearts and minds, you have to win their radios, televisions and mobile phones, said AMT's CEO Steve Ahern, who has just returned from Afghanistan.
Bachelor of Arts with the Diploma of Education,1982
Ahern, a Macquarie University graduate, spent December and January in Kabul where he put in place the management and academic systems needed to begin the new institute, launched today (see associated release from US Department of State).

AMT was commissioned to develop the two year Diploma in Media curriculum, covering radio, television and new media. The integrated course combines expert tuition and theory with practical training using NMI's radio station, television facilities and professional location equipment.

As well as developing the curriculum, AMT trained the lecturers who will deliver the course and built internal management systems within NMI to comply with educational and government requirements.

NMI needed a turnkey solution so they could ensure academic compliance, and get the course started, ready for the first intake of students in March this year. Because of AMT's experience with similar projects in India and South Africa, we were able to provide that solution, said Ahern, a former Senior Executive at the Australian Film Television and Radio School.

In 2009, Steve Ahern was awarded an Order of Australia Media for his services to media education in Australia and internationally. He previously worked for the ABC and the British Consulate-General in a media career spanning over 30 years.

Nai, which means 'flute' in the Afghani language (Dari), symbolises the way broadcast transmissions carry over the air waves, similar to music.

Details of the NMI Diploma in Media course can be found at www.nmi.edu.af.


For more information contact:

Steve Ahern
0412 884465
[email protected]
www.steveahern.com.au