NPR and LAist Studios launch Oye, an audio incubator for Latinx creators

Applications are open now until June 19, 2022

May 4, 2022; Washington, D.C. and Pasadena, CA — NPR and LAist Studios are joining forces to launch Oye: The Lab for Latinx Creators, a talent accelerator that will connect creators with fresh ideas to these powerhouse audio organizations.

"Oye and our partnership with LAist Studios will allow us to elevate Latinx voices by providing resources and offering training to early-career creators. We're thrilled to have this new programming join Alt Latino and Radio Ambulante and increase our offering for Latinx audiences," said Yolanda Sangweni, Senior Director of Programming at NPR.

"Good ideas need space and tools so they can get produced — that is exactly what Oye is for. Oye will be the place to go from blueprint to launch, with the full support of the best professionals in audio storytelling," said Antonia Cerejido, Executive Producer LAist Studios. "LAist Studios pledged that 100% of our shows will be either hosted/produced and/or staffed by creators of underrepresented communities. We have a track record of successful shows with Latinx creators like California Love, Wild, Yeah No I'm not ok, Norco 80 and the upcoming Lost Revolutionary and Human/Nature."

Over the course of this six-week virtual workshop, NPR and LAist Studios will work with a small cohort of finalists from across the country to develop new programming centering the Latinx + Latino/a/e experience. Oye participants will receive training, coaching, and resources to develop their pitch and pilot a proof of concept, and a stipend to cover labor and time spent on the project. They will present their pilots to a small audience, and pitches will be considered for further development.

"Through Oye, we aim to uplift Latinx creatives who can reflect their lived experience and their communities in a way that feels authentic to them," said Lauren Gonzalez, Senior Manager of Content Development at NPR.

"The Latinx community is the heart and soul of Southern California, and the backbone of LAist Studios content creation and audience engagement strategy. As a Latino I'm proud to lead an organization that's so committed to telling the stories of us and support Latinx creators at every stage of their career, said Herb Scannell, CEO and President of Southern California Public Radio.

Applications are open now until June 19, 2022.

Oye brings together two trusted organizations that are known for discovery of emerging talent and providing platforms for new voices. NPR is one of the top podcast publishers per the Podtrac ranking, with 5 shows in the top 20 Podtrac list.

About NPR

NPR's rigorous reporting and unsurpassed storytelling that connects with millions of Americans every day — on the air, online, and in-person. NPR strives to create a more informed public — one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas, and cultures. With a nationwide network of award-winning journalists and 17 international bureaus, NPR and its Member Stations are never far from where a story is unfolding. Listeners can find NPR by tuning in to their local Member stations (npr.org/stations), and now it's easy to listen to our stories on smart speaker devices. Ask your smart speaker to, "Play NPR," and you'll be tuned into your local Member station's live stream. Your speaker can also access NPR podcasts, NPR One, NPR News Now, and the Visual Newscast is available for screened speakers. Get more information at npr.org/about and by following NPR Extra on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Southern California Public Radio (SCPR)

Southern California Public Radio (www.scpr.org) is a member-supported multi-platform public media organization that has garnered more than 500 journalistic honors since 1999. Recognized as a national leader in public service journalism and civic engagement, SCPR's flagship radio station, 89.3 KPCC-FM, reaches more than 900,000 listeners every week as the most listened-to public radio news service across Southern California. The network's five stations (89.3 KPCC-FM, 89.1 KUOR-FM, 90.3 KVLA-FM, 89.9 FM, and 89.5 KJAI-FM) deliver award-winning local news coverage to the diverse communities of the region, including a robust slate of signature programs from NPR, APM, the BBC and PRI. LAist (www.laist.com) is a digital news site committed to in-depth reporting about life in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Its award-winning work reaches over seven million people per month, and in 2019, the brand grew to include LAist Studios (www.laiststudios.com), a dedicated podcast development and production studio. Furthering SCPR's commitment to premium on-demand audio storytelling, podcasts from LAist Studios aim to reflect the ethos of Los Angeles — a forward-looking, minority-majority community built upon unmatched diversity, inclusion, and drive — going beyond geographical borders to connect with listeners around the globe who share the LA state of mind.

PRESS CONTACTS

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The Lippin Group for SCPR Katie Fuchs - New York kfuchs@lippingroup.com 646-493-0215