Radio Rootz
www.peoplesproductionhouse.org/radio-rootz-ny
Radio Rootz has gained national recognition for its media literacy and hands-on media training. It is dedicated to fostering a new generation of socially-conscious journalists. Through media literacy and production classes, Radio Rootz provides young people with tools to create news that “reflects their voices, issues and communities.” Students are recruited by an open call and interview. The only requirement is that participants be “creative and curious.”
Interested students and parents make a written commitment to participate in the classes and activities of the year-long program. Students learn about how the media industry works and discuss the importance of media to a democratic society. They learn how to use professional audio recording equipment and gain skills such as writing, research, interviewing basics and voicing for radio news stories and documentaries. Bilingual students are encouraged to write and deliver stories in both languages. All stories are student driven -- they decide what issues to report and who to interview.