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New Voices

Virtual
New Voices AIR

About the Program

New Voices creates pathways to career mentorship, collaboration and inspiration. #AIRNewVoices

Each year, AIR identifies and cultivates a diverse roster of early-career talent to arm them with skills to better understand their role as mission-driven audio makers and emerge with a clearer picture of how they can find their space within the industry. 

Selected New Voices receive mentorship, professional development support, structured networking sessions with leaders in the industry and a $1,000 stipend. Each participant is paired with a mentor for the duration of the program, in addition to support from their cohort peers, the New Voices Captain and Program Manager.

After completing the program, New Voices join an incredible network of program alumni who represent all levels and careers in the audio industry. 

In 2024, AIR launched an additional cohort called AMPLIFY, focusing on providing marketing resources and guidance to existing podcast creators. Learn more about AMPLIFY

History of the Program

Since 2009, New Voices has provided space, opportunity and community to underrepresented independents in audio. Defined by AIR's commitment to a vibrant range of diverse voices and experiences, the New Voices program nurtures pathways for independents to be heard, amplified and understood.

In prior years, selected individuals convened at industry conferences like PRPD and Third Coast. In 2020, the program moved online to best support New Voices throughout the U.S. due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

Meet the New Voices from previous years: 

2024 AMPLIFY20232022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

 

New Voices Network Impact

The New Voices Network brings together an alumni community of 300+ alumni to share, reflect and engage in critical dialogue and networking opportunities through their continuous journey as media-makers, storytellers and advocates. 

Alumni of the New Voices program have gone on to become MacArthur Fellows, start their own shows or production studios, attain leadership positions, and win awards. 

Many alumni serve as mentors for future cohorts and have presented webinars and classes for AIR on SoundPath. 

Below are recordings of AIR presentations and panels that New Voices Alumni have participated in: 

Questions? Contact AIR's New Voices Program Manager at [email protected].

FAQ

Who is eligible to apply?

All producers and program makers who self-identify as part of an underrepresented group(s) are eligible to apply. The focus of the program is radio/audio, but we welcome applicants from the full range of disciplines and practices. You must be 18 or older to apply and based in the United States.

What do you mean by “underrepresented voices”?


We want to work with people who represent groups that are not typically represented in the public media ecosystem. This could be based on a candidate’s race, gender, and class background and/or vision. The committee who reads the New Voices applications is mindful to select candidates with different abilities, experiences and who come from underrepresented communities and geographic locations. Their goal is to find candidates who will bring an inclusive and dynamic mix to the Fellows cohort, New Voices alumni network, and to the industry in general.

How much experience are applicants expected to have?


New Voices is intended for early-career applicants and we will be especially interested in producers pushing boundaries in audio and multimedia storytelling and those who are relatively new to working in public media.

What is the total value of the stipend?

The value for each selected New Voice is $1000.

Is there anything I need to do if I am selected

Yes. AIR requires you to attend monthly virtual programming. Details are to be determined, and subject to change. At the end of the program, you will be required to submit an evaluation along with a brief (750‑ to 1,000-word) report about your experiences and your vision for the future of audio, and the ways in which you can help shape the industry. If you are chosen, you will be given specific instructions about what to include in the report at that time.

If I am selected, when will I receive my funds?


You will receive the first half of your stipend at the beginning of the program after you've completed all onboarding requirements. The rest of the stipend will be issued at the end of the program after you have submitted your evaluation and report.

What can I expect from the New Voices experience?

Selected New Voices will receive a $1,000 stipend and be matched with a mentor who will support them throughout the five-month program. New Voices are required to attend a virtual gathering once a month during the program to learn from industry leaders with additional opportunities for New Voices to connect. More importantly, you join an incredible group of peers as well as a network of program alumni who represent all levels and careers in the audio industry. It is your key to career mentorship, collaboration, and inspiration.

When do applications open for 2023?

Applications for 2023's program will open in May 2023. 

Sign up for AIR's Newsletter to be notified when applications open: https://airmedia.org/community/newsletter

 

Program Partners