AIR Spring Gala 2026
The Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) brought together creators, journalists, podcasters, filmmakers, funders, media leaders, and creative collaborators from across the industry for its Fourth Annual Spring Gala, celebrating a year of significant growth, investment, and impact for the independent audio industry.
Held at New York City’s historic DCTV Firehouse, this year’s Gala marked a pivotal moment in AIR’s history. In 2025, the organization received a transformative $1.5 million investment from the Ford Foundation, strengthening AIR’s capacity and supporting an ambitious vision for the future. The funding will enable AIR to expand support for independent creators, grow workforce development and advocacy initiatives, and invest in the people, systems, and infrastructure needed to sustain the organization’s long-term impact.
“Independent creators continue to produce some of the most important journalism, storytelling, and cultural work happening today,” said Keisha Salmon, Executive Director of AIR. “This evening was an opportunity to celebrate the people behind that work and the community that continues to support and strengthen independent audio.”
Founded in 1988, AIR has become the nation’s leading professional membership organization serving independent audio creators. Through training programs, mentorship, advocacy initiatives, fellowships, and professional development opportunities, AIR supports thousands of producers, editors, journalists, engineers, and media entrepreneurs working across public, community, and independent media.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of AIR’s inaugural Everywhere Award, recognizing extraordinary leadership, generosity, and commitment to strengthening the independent audio community. The first-ever Everywhere Award was presented to longtime AIR member Tania Mohammad for her outstanding contributions to AIR and the broader audio field.
AIR also announced Cheryl Holling as the winner of the 2026 AIR Merchandise Design Competition, a community-driven initiative that invited members to help shape AIR’s visual identity through original artwork.
The Gala also featured a fundraising raffle benefiting AIR’s Community Access Fund, which helps creators facing financial barriers access membership, training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Prize packages were generously donated by industry partners including iZotope, Blue Dot Sessions, and Hindenburg, helping raise awareness and support for the Fund’s mission.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, AIR remains focused on strengthening the independent creator economy, supporting the creators who power public media, expanding access to professional opportunities, and ensuring that independent audio remains a vital force in informing, engaging, and connecting communities.
Photos by 📸 Ayni Studios. View the full album.