New Voices AMPLIFY 2026

🎙️ Amplify Your Reach: AIR’s New Voices AMPLIFY 

Are you an independent podcaster with a show you love, but struggle to reach the audience it deserves? It’s time to turn up the volume with New Voices AMPLIFY!

AIR (Association of Independents in Radio) is excited to collaborate with Apple Podcasts to offer AMPLIFY in Spring 2026.

Designed specifically for independent creators, this cohort-based program equips independent podcasters with the essential marketing, branding, and audience growth skills needed to take their shows to the next level.

AIR will host a series of virtual AMPLIFY webinars throughout the Spring. These sessions will be open to all AIR members, ensuring that the entire network has access to high-level marketing insights and industry trends so we can all learn and grow together!

Additionally, sixteen people will be selected for the 2026 cohort to receive additional mentorship from industry experts and a stipend.

Who Should Apply?

We are looking for independent producers who:

  • Have an existing podcast (already launched with a library of episodes).
  • Be an independent podcaster who produces/makes their show themselves without the support of mainstream resources. (You do not receive funding from a production company/studio or major network).
  • Are ready to move beyond production and master the art of audience development.
  • Value community, peer-to-peer learning, and professional mentorship.
  • Identifies as historically marginalized. We want to work with people who represent groups that are not typically represented in public media and podcasting. This could be based on a candidate’s race, gender, class background and/or vision. The selection committee is mindful to choose candidates with different abilities, experiences and who come from underrepresented communities and geographic locations. Our goal is to find candidates who will bring an inclusive and dynamic mix to the cohort, New Voices alumni network, and to the audio industry in general.
  • Can commit to full participation and attendance at all program dates (listed below). It is mandatory to attend every program meeting. 

Timeline

  • Applications Open: January 14, 2026
  • Information Session: January 21, 2026 at 3pm ET - RSVP
  • Applications Close: February 2, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
  • Program Runs: Tuesdays and Thursdays between May 5th through June 25th from 4pm-6pm ET
  • Final Presentations: June 30 & July 1

Apply Now!

Information Session Recording

Learn more about 2025’s New Voices AMPLIFY program.

Subscribe to AIR’s Newsletter and social channels for program updates.