Youth Journalists Explore School Shootings, Rap, Witchcraft and Drag in New Season of KUOW’s RadioActive Podcast
Seattle, WA — For the past 15 years, RadioActive—KUOW’s award-winning youth media program—has given young people in the Puget Sound region journalism mentorship and hands-on media production experience so they can tell their own stories.
This summer’s Intro to Journalism Workshop is the largest to date, with 20 teens from throughout the greater Seattle area learning the ins and outs of radio journalism and storytelling. Eight graduates from the program served as mentors to the students. Audiences can listen to their stories now by subscribing to the RadioActive podcast. The new season began this month and will continue through mid-December, with episodes each Tuesday and Thursday.
“RadioActive is a place where your needs are met and your voice can be heard. Everyone is so supportive and everything is so collaborative rather than competitive. Not only is it a great learning experience on how to create audio stories and podcasts, it’s also a good time,” said Kamil Saad, a senior at Inglemoor High School.
In this upcoming season, the RadioActive youth journalists reported on everything from Seattle's drag scene, to the evolution of hip hop, to never before heard voices of student survivors from the Parkland shooting.
“RadioActive is a challenging program and that gives young people the opportunity to build resilience and confidence. In nine years, I’ve seen people launch successful media careers, build years-long friendships, and better understand their own identities as a result of participating in RadioActive. The passion youth have to live their own stories, and tell their own stories, is RadioActive’s strength, and it is powerful,” said Jenny Asarnow, RadioActive’s Senior Producer.
The public is invited to join the young journalists in person for the RadioActive Listening Party at Impact Hub Seattle on Saturday, August 25th from 3:00-5:00 pm. The event is free and all ages. RSVP is required.
There is no experience necessary to apply for RadioActive’s Intro to Journalism Workshop, and participants are paid for successfully completing the program. Students interested in the 2019 Workshop can sign up for the RadioActive newsletter to learn when applications are open.
ABOUT RADIOACTIVE
KUOW’s RadioActive helps youth discover public radio journalism, learn basic radio storytelling skills, and share their voice. RadioActive has launched media careers and produced stories garnering such honors as regional Edward R. Murrow awards, Gracie awards and Korva Coleman Excellence awards. RadioActive staff and mentors, most of whom graduated from RadioActive’s Intro to Journalism Workshop, have taught audio journalism skills to more than 3,500 teenagers since 2013.
Contact
Michaela Gianotti, Communications Manager
mgianotti@kuow.org
206-543-2759