Finding, coaching and training public media's next generation.
Next Gen Radio is a 5-day, audio-focused, digital journalism project. Our hybrid (some people in-person, some not) program is designed to give competitively selected participants the opportunity to learn how to report and produce a non-narrated audio piece and a companion multimedia story. Those chosen for the program are paired with a professional journalist, who serves as their mentor for the week, and the chosen participant is paid a stipend for their work.
NPR’s Next Gen Radio projects are hybrid (remote and in-person). Our selected cohort will report from where they are. Staffing varies with each project, but mentors fit into these general categories.
This Next Gen behind-the-scenes explainer video uses as a backdrop, our March 2023 project at the Wallis Annenberg School of Communications and Journalism at the University of Southern California.
You can also read our Frequently Asked Questions.
IMPORTANT: You must live within the sponsors’ city/state/region. Generally, that means within a one-hour drive.
Note: Our 2024 projects have been completed. We will share our 2025 schedule well before the end of the year.
“NextGenRadio opened my eyes to the world of audio through learning technical skills and through the thrill of working in a professional environment. I entered the week-long program with excitement and left with knowledge that I will keep with me for a lifetime.”
Andres Soto, Cal-State Northridge 2020