Boomtown launches Insiders program to develop next generation of regional media leaders

Boomtown, the media industry collective representing the 9.9 million people living in regional Australia, has launched Boomtown Insiders – a new agency advisory council of regional media champions.

The initiative is designed to identify and nurture emerging industry talent who will be lifelong advocates for regional Australia.

The collective is now on the hunt for 10 up-and-coming agency strategists, planners or buyers to join the advisory council, calling on emerging talent to submit their applications.

Boomtown Insiders will act as an advisory group to the collective, attending regular meetings to share their learnings and agency results, while also driving uptake of the regional media planning tool, Boomtown Hub and masterclasses.

Boomtown Insiders will also enjoy a bespoke Boomtown Masterclass, designed to dive further into the regional media landscape, an overnight stay in a Boomtown location, a chance to attend the 2026 Cairns Crocodiles and report to the industry on Boomtown’s behalf, attendance at a Boomtown networking event, access to a Boomtown mentor, and participation in roundtable ideation sessions.

Applications for the Boomtown Insiders program are now open, with the collective looking for people who are keen to shape the future success of regional media advertising. Selection of the panel will be decided by an esteemed panel of judges including Boomtown Chairman Andrew ‘Billy’ Baxter, Peter Chapman, CMO of Reflections Holidays, and Katie Finney, Acting Head of Sales at Seven Network.

“We’re looking for young guns of the industry – those who are keen to distinguish themselves through meaningful involvement and want to be empowered to become champions of regional Australia,” Boomtown Chairman, Andrew ‘Billy’ Baxter, said.

“This is an opportunity for us, as a collective, to identify and invest in the next generation of agency leaders, while also fast-tracking and strengthening the connection between Boomtown and agencies. Boomtown Insiders will be the voice of the 9.9 million Australians living in the regions.”

UM Head of Australian Government Partnerships, Simon Grace, said: “Regional Australia is still a relatively untapped market with many ‘national’ advertisers not quite hitting the mark and missing out on 10 million Australians with their communication. Understanding regional markets will put you ahead of your peers as you will know the value of regional Australia and ensure that your clients are getting the most value from their advertising dollar.

“Being a Boomtown Insider will give you the edge and be part of a growing community that can truly make a difference.”

Zenith Media Chief Investment Officer, Elizabeth Baker, said: “The Boomtown Insiders program is a unique, hands-on opportunity for emerging industry talent to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic and diverse audiences across regional Australia. It’s an invaluable experience for anyone looking to build a meaningful and future-focused career in media and advertising.”

Sweeney Advertising General Manager, Clinton Kay, said: “We’ve always believed in the power of local connection — and nowhere is that stronger than in regional Australia. After decades of planning, buying and executing thousands of campaigns across the country, we’ve seen firsthand that locals genuinely value local news and content.

“In Canberra, for example, you only need to walk into a newsagent or a petrol and convenience store mid-morning to see The Canberra Times already gone from the shelves, while the state and national titles are often still there at the end of the day. It’s a clear signal: people want to know what’s happening in their own backyard.

“Regional media remains one of the most powerful and authentic environments for brands to communicate. We’ve built our reputation on understanding and embracing that truth. Regional Australia isn’t just part of the media landscape — it’s the heart of it.”

Boomtown Insiders must have between three to six years’ media agency experience and be passionate about regional Australia and all it can offer brands.

Submissions for the program close on November 7 and successful applicants will be announced later this year.

For more information or to apply, click here.