Frank Bonaccorso, who has held previous media roles with ABC News and Network 10, has been named NRN's director, while Amanda Copp will provide content from the Canberra Press Gallery at Parliament House.

Mr Bonaccorso, who worked on a casual basis at NRN prior to his appointment as director, plans to harness the potential of undergraduate communications students at Charles Sturt University [CSU].

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"In a radio bulletin, you have one chance to get the message right, and this is achieved by conveying the news in a simple yet informative manner," he said.

"My job is to augment the skills of undergraduates in an environment that demands clear and concise production."

For many years, NRN has provided a practical cadet program offering CSU communications students first-hand experience in a professional newsroom.

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The program is unique to Bathurst and has seen a number of cadets go on to high-profile careers with major news corporations.

Ms Copp said the addition of a Canberra-based political reporter offers NRN first-hand access to parliamentary matters.

"There is a certain amount of weight involved with a reporter in the Press Gallery, as you have ample opportunity to interview and build relationships with federal politicians and key industry bodies," she said.

"It can be quite challenging for smaller news organisations to gain access to key political figures, and to have someone in the Press Gallery highlights NRN's significance in Australia's radio landscape."

Ms Copp said early experience in a professional newsroom is essential for budding journalists.

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"As a student, I didn't really grasp the journalistic process until I gained that practical newsroom experience," she said.

NRN reaches a monthly audience of more than 2.5 million nationwide, and Mr Bonaccorso said the service fills a niche that isn't offered by mainstream broadcasters.

"We focus on minorities and splinter groups, and we aim to communicate their messages to people in underprivileged communities," he said.

"Community broadcasting holds that balance of power between the commercial and non-commercial radio sectors who might only provide lip service to our key stories."

The NRN service is delivered through a partnership between CSU and the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia [CBAA].