NextGenRadio

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.

Want to learn more?

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.

Get Project Details

IMPORTANT: You must live within the sponsors’ city/state/region. Generally, that means within a one-hour drive.

Here is our 2024 schedule:    

  • Next Gen Radio: Gulf States Newsroom (May 5-10)
  • Next Gen Radio: Iowa (July 14-19)
  • Next Gen Radio: Texas Newsroom (KERA-Dallas) (Sept 1-6)
  • Next Gen Radio: St Louis Public Radio (Sept 22-27)
  • Next Gen Radio: Oregon Public Broadcasting (October 2024)

PROGRAMMING NOTE:  Next Generation Radio is considering the meaning of “home.” We are looking beyond physical space. Home is more of a feeling that changes as we move, work from home, and make other significant life changes. What is home to you?

Apply to a Project 

See our work!

Most Recent Project

Past Projects

“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 this week-long program with excitement and left with knowledge that I will take with me for a lifetime.”

Elaine Sanders, Cal-State Northridge 2020