Radio Rookies
WNYC Radio, Inc.
Thanks to the Radio Rookies program of WNYC Radio, Inc., young people from some of New York City’s most underserved neighborhoods are producing compelling and relevant radio documentaries. Started in 1999, the Radio Rookies now reach 1.2 million listeners in the New York area. National and international public radio stations feature the Rookies’ broadcasts, as well.
Working with the staff of WNYC, one of the nation’s flagship public radio stations, the Rookies develop professional-level skills in the art of radio documentary. The program encourages participants to be inquisitive about the world, research a topic of interest, develop a point of view, and write about it. Through the medium of radio, they express stories from their own perspective and reach a broad audience.
In partnership with a host of community organizations, Radio Rookies workshops give students the tools they need to document stories that are relevant to their communities, generating dialogue within their neighborhoods. From coping with the unique challenges facing young people to living in areas that have the most youth-related problems, Radio Rookies’ documentaries give listeners firsthand accounts of teenagers’ lives in an urban-core environment.
The Rookies have full access to a professional work setting, and experienced writers serve as their mentors. Participants receive expert advice on airing their stories, as well as assistance with other projects, jobs, and internships.
This program offers young people the opportunity to confront and overcome personal struggles and frustrations. Through the medium of radio, their ability to raise awareness and potentially benefit their communities is both empowering and life changing. In the words of one Radio Rookie, “Being on the radio makes us feel like our stories are important.”
| WNYC Radio, Inc. Focus: Media Arts “The Rookies program focuses on giving young people practical skills for future careers. It encourages personal development and demonstrates that their opinions and views have relevance. In addition, the resulting radio documentaries provide unique, first-person stories about teen and city life that are not typically covered by mainstream media. This program not only expands the horizons of its participants, but of the listening audience, as well.” |