AIR has teamed up with the Third Coast International Audio Festival to identify and cultivate a diverse roster of early-career talent to help programs, stations and networks connect with more ears, homes, and corners of America. The Third Coast Conference takes place in Chicago every year. There is a scholarship offered to help 15 recipients to attend.

The New Voices Scholarships provides 15 recipients with funding to travel to the annual Third Coast Conference in Chicago, Illinois. It will take place on October 31 – November 2, 2019. Those interested can apply for the scholarship on the AIR website. The deadline to submit is May 31, 2019.

They are seeking 15 daring makers from all corners of the country, especially individuals from underrepresented communities and groups.

Those chosen will receive a stipend of $1,500 to attend the 2019 Third Coast Conference, a complementary one-year AIR membership, and special opportunities and support at the conference as well as through the person’s career. All New Voice Scholars are gathered for a two-day retreat on Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30, 2019, before the Third Coast Conference begins.

New Voice scholars will receive coaching, professional development support, and structured networking with leaders in the industry. New Voice Scholars will also join a robust alumni network of more than 200 journalists with diverse backgrounds, craft and experience.

More details:

All producers and program makers who self-identify as part of an underrepresented group(s) are eligible to apply. The focus of the Third Coast Conference is radio/audio, but they welcome applicants from the full range of disciplines and practice. All ages are welcome, but anyone younger than 18 will need an adult sponsor to sign off on their application and handle funds.

Underrepresented voices means 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 also vision. The goal is to find candidates who will bring an inclusive and dynamic mix to the conference, to the New Voices group, and to the industry in general.

The 2018 Third Coast Conference will take place on October 4-6, 2018, in Chicago. They can accommodate only 800 people, and recommend that you do not wait to register.

Join us in Chicago for three chock-full days of learning about the art & craft of audio storytelling from the field’s top makers, making connections with other producers/podcasters/reporters from all over the world, and discovering impactful radio & podcasting opportunities. And celebrate with us on the final night (October 6) with an Awards Ceremony honoring the winners of the 2018 Third Coast / Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition.

They have room for 800 people, and that includes presenters, volunteers, and special guests. They expect to sell out quickly. Once all the spots are gone, the only way to get a registration is from someone who needs to transfer theirs. The Third Coast Conference does not have a waiting list.

Your registration fee is non-refundable, but is transferrable up through Friday, September 28, 2018, at midnight.

The Conference begins on Thursday, October 4, at 1pm with an afternoon of meet-ups. The 2018 Conference officially starts at 5pm. It goes “pretty much non-stop” until Saturday night on October 6, with the Third Coast Awards Ceremony and after-party.

Participants are also encouraged to come to Chicago early and stay late to take part in Third Coasts’ lineup of live podcasts: The Fest. Join them for a live show as part of The Fest on Wednesday, October 3 (Conference eve!). Plus, there will be more Fest events on Friday Night and Sunday.

You can keep up with the latest Third Coast Conference news and announcements by signing up for their newsletter and selecting “producer news”. A more detailed schedule will eventually be released.

The 2017 Third Coast Conference will take place on November 9-11 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago. It includes radio producers, podcasters, journalists, documentarians, audio artists, and students. Everyone comes together to listen to each other’s work, share ideas and expertise, and make connections with future colleagues and new friends.

Conference Sessions Include:

* 2017 Provocations – A series of short talks from producers who hope to dare and ignite. Presented by Brian Reed, Al Letson, Sarah Alvarez and Mia Lobel

* Complicated Characters – Dov Charney, the founder and ex-CEO of American Apparel, built the company through his charisma and force of will. Presented by Lisa Chow

* The Argument of “Objectivity” – Is traditional “objectivity” in journalism on its way out? – Presented by Lewis Wallace and Alicia Montgomery

* How to become an investigative reporter with one simple trick: Ask a good question – Madeline Baran and Samara Freemark of In the Dark, love the intimacy of radio and the power it has to transport us into other people’s lives. But as producers of an investigative podcast, they think audio storytelling can do more.

* The Confessional: When is a Personal Story Worth Sharing? – You’d like to turn the mic on yourself to share your most personal story, but how do you ensure others will want to listen? Also, should you bare your soul, and, if you do, how do you maintain journalistic integrity while doing so? – Presented by Sally Herships and Alan Hall

* Human vs. Robot: How to track and still sound like your actual self – Great tracking is the difference between a piece that immediately moves you and one you immediately forget. – Presented by Sean Rameswaram

* AIR’s Bitchin’ Pitch Panel – A bonefide Third coast tradition, this session pulls back the curtain on one of the most difficult and important skills every producer needs to master: how to pitch. – Presented by Leila Day

All sessions are recorded and available in Third Coast International Audio Festival’s Audio Library and on the Third Coast Pocket Conference podcast.  The weekend culminates with an awards ceremony honoring the winners of the Third Coast/Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition.