New Voices

New Voices AIR

About the Program

New Voices creates pathways to career mentorship, collaboration and inspiration. #AIRNewVoices

Each year, AIR identifies and cultivates a diverse roster of underrepresented early-career talent to arm them with skills to better understand their role as mission-driven audio makers and emerge with a clearer picture of how they can find their space within the industry. 

Selected New Voices receive mentorship, professional development support, structured networking sessions with leaders in the industry and a $1,000 stipend. Each participant is paired with a mentor for the duration of the program, in addition to support from their cohort peers, the New Voices Captain and Program Manager.

After completing the program, New Voices join an incredible network of program alumni who represent all levels and careers in the audio industry. 

2026 AMPLIFY Program Info

New Voices AMPLIFY is a marketing accelerator for independent creators who have an existing podcast and are ready to take it to the next level. The program will equip independent audio makers with marketing and development skills to help their shows break through the noise.

Applications for the 2026 AMPLIFY program are currently open. The deadline to apply is February 2nd. Learn more.

2025 New Voices Public Radio

New Voices Public Radio is designed for mid-career audio makers who work in public media. Over eight weeks, selected fellows will receive a $1,000 stipend, connect with mentors, and join weekly sessions led by special guests from public radio stations across the country. You’ll build skills, expand your network, and tap into real-world insights from the field. The program will run in September and October 2025.

The application deadline has passed for the Fall 2025 cohort. Join AIR's Newsletter to learn when applications re-open and other AIR opportunities. 

Meet the New Voices from previous years: 

2025 Public Radio | 2025 AMPLIFY | 2024 | 2024 AMPLIFY | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

History of the Program

Since 2009, New Voices has provided space, opportunity and community to underrepresented independents in audio. Defined by AIR's commitment to a vibrant range of diverse voices and experiences, the New Voices program nurtures pathways for independents to be heard, amplified and understood.

In prior years, selected individuals convened at industry conferences like PRPD and Third Coast. In 2020, the program moved online to best support New Voices throughout the U.S. due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

In 2024, AIR launched an additional cohort called AMPLIFY, focusing on providing marketing resources and guidance to existing podcast creators. Learn more about AMPLIFY. 

New Voices Alumni Monthly Meetings

The New Voices Network brings together an alumni community of 300+ alumni to share, reflect and engage in critical dialogue and networking opportunities through their continuous journey as media-makers, storytellers and advocates. 

Visit AIR's event page to RSVP to the next New Voices Alumni Meeting. 

New Voices Network Impact

Alumni of the New Voices program have gone on to become MacArthur Fellows, start their own shows or production studios, attain leadership positions, and win awards. Many alumni serve as mentors for future cohorts and have presented webinars and classes for AIR on SoundPath. 

Below are recordings of AIR presentations and panels that New Voices Alumni have participated in: 

Questions? Contact AIR's New Voices Program Manager at [email protected].

FAQ

Who is eligible to apply?
All producers and program makers who self-identify as part of an underrepresented group(s) are eligible to apply. The focus of the program is radio/audio, but we welcome applicants from the full range of disciplines and practices. You must be 18 or older to apply and based in the United States.

What do you mean by “underrepresented voices”? 
We want to work with people who represent groups that are not typically represented in the public media ecosystem. This could be based on a candidate’s race, gender, and class background and/or vision. The committee who reads the New Voices applications is mindful to select candidates with different abilities, experiences and who come from underrepresented communities and geographic locations. Their goal is to find candidates who will bring an inclusive and dynamic mix to the Fellows cohort, New Voices alumni network, and to the industry in general.

How much experience are applicants expected to have? 
New Voices is intended for early-career applicants and we will be especially interested in producers pushing boundaries in audio and multimedia storytelling and those who are relatively new to working in public media.

What is the total value of the stipend?
The value for each selected New Voice is $1000.

Is there anything I need to do if I am selected?
Yes. AIR requires you to attend monthly virtual programming. Details are to be determined, and subject to change. At the end of the program, you will be required to submit an evaluation along with a brief (750‑ to 1,000-word) report about your experiences and your vision for the future of audio, and the ways in which you can help shape the industry. If you are chosen, you will be given specific instructions about what to include in the report at that time.

If I am selected, when will I receive my funds? 
You will receive the first half of your stipend at the beginning of the program after you've completed all onboarding requirements. The rest of the stipend will be issued at the end of the program after you have submitted your evaluation and report.

What can I expect from the New Voices experience?
Selected New Voices will receive a $1,000 stipend and be matched with a mentor who will support them throughout the five-month program. New Voices are required to attend a virtual gathering once a month during the program to learn from industry leaders with additional opportunities for New Voices to connect. More importantly, you join an incredible group of peers as well as a network of program alumni who represent all levels and careers in the audio industry. It is your key to career mentorship, collaboration, and inspiration.