PRX to Lead Google Podcasts creator program

Google partners with PRX to train and support underrepresented voices in podcasting

Google has teamed up with PRX to lead and manage the Google Podcasts creator program. The Google Podcasts creator program, funded by Google, hopes to remove barriers to podcasting, increase the diversity of voices in the industry, and to make sure content is available for all audiences.

The Google Podcasts creator program focuses on three pillars: empowering and training underrepresented voices, educating a global community with free tools, and showcasing the participants’ work as a model for others.

One of the key elements of the program will be a global podcast accelerator headed up by PRX. Our staff and members of an advisory committee will select global teams to receive seed funding, intensive training and mentorship. The program will be split into two rounds of approximately six projects each. The first round kicks off in January 2019. Applications are live until 11:59pm ET on Sunday, December 2. For more information and to apply, visit https://googlecp.prx.org.

“We are committed to lowering barriers to podcasting through education and information sharing,” said Zack Reneau-Wedeen, Product Manager of Google Podcasts, which launched in June.. “As we work to bring hundreds of millions more listeners into the fold, we want to play a role in ensuring content is available for all types of global audiences. PRX has a proven track record of mentorship and education, and we couldn’t be more excited to work with them as our lead partner.”

“We want to dramatically change the podcasting ecosystem and support more access,” said PRX CEO Kerri Hoffman. “Training is a primary way to close the skills gap that keep many from being successful in podcasting. This is particularly true for those who are underrepresented in other forms of media. We hope to elevate more diverse voices and empower others with tools to create and share.”

Complementing the global accelerator, PRX will develop a series of podcasting 101 videos in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Arabic to support the training of podcast enthusiasts around the world.

Google initially announced this program in June 2018 with the launch of its podcast app for Android users.

Learn more about the program and apply at googlecp.prx.org.