Youth Radio
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|
 Former headquarters in Oakland | |
| Formation | 1993 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ellin O'Leary |
| Founded at | Berkeley, California |
| Headquarters | Oakland, California |
Region served | United States |
| Awards | George Foster Peabody Award, Edward R. Murrow Award, Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award |
Formerly called | Youth Radio |
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YR Media (Youth Radio) is an American non-profit youth media organization. It was first established in Berkeley, California, and it moved to Oakland in 2007. The organization had to pause services for the first time in its history in October 2024. and then reopened in June 2026 due to the hard work and tireless efforts of a small group of alumni, board members who left prior to 2023, and community members. When the organization reopened it also returned to the original name/branding of Youth Radio.
YR Media was founded by Ellin O'Leary in 1993, who served as its first Executive Director. YR Media advocates for youth participation in media and journalism. YR Media also operated in Los Angeles, Boston, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.
YR Media has worked with outlets including Teen Vogue, NPR, Pandora, and The New York Times.
Advocacy efforts
YR Media engages with youth on education and career pathways in media, technology and creative arts. YR serves predominantly racial minorities and low-income communities.
YR Media runs media production training programs and program graduates become eligible for jobs at YR Media.
History
Youth Radio was founded in 1993 as Youth Radio in Berkeley, California. In 2007, Youth Radio moved its headquarters to downtown Oakland. In 2007, Youth Radio reported on the importance of the youth vote at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In 2021, the organization expanded to Chicago.
In October 2024, the organization paused operations amid financial difficulties. YR Media laid off employees on November 8, 2024, although the organization's leadership said they hoped to reopen in the future. This dream came true when the organization welcomed a new cohort of trainees upon reopening in June 2026.
Awards
- George Foster Peabody Award – 2001, 2011
- Edward R. Murrow Award – 2001, 2005, 2010, 2011
- Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award–2010
- President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities Award – 2012
- Red Cross Heroes Award – 2010
- Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award – 2000
Divisions
All Day Play: YR Media had a radio station that aired commentary, news, and music.
Remix Your Life: YR Media's music production and distribution label.
Adult ISH: YR Media had a culture, storytelling and advice talk show podcast produced by people who are almost adults. ADULT ISH was hosted by Nyge Turner and Merk Nguyen.
See also
- Institute for Nonprofit News (member)
References
- ↑ "Youth Radio". PBS LearningMedia. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ↑ "NPR Series". NPR. 27 December 2021.
- 1 2 Rasilla, Azucena (31 October 2024). "YR Media pauses operations, leaving employees without pay and healthcare". The Oaklandside. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
- ↑ Rasilla, Azucena (12 November 2024). "YR Media shuts down". The Oaklandside. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ↑ "Institutional Award: Youth Radio". Peabody Awards. 2001.
- ↑ "Trafficked: A Youth Radio Investigation". Peabody Awards. 2010.
- ↑ Rosario, Marcus (2025-05-29). "Internet radio station All Day Play FM relaunches into bold new era". KALW. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ "Adult ISH - YR Media". YR Media. 2018-10-30. Retrieved 2018-12-03.
Further reading
- Soep, Elisabeth; Chávez, Vivian (2010). Drop That Knowledge: Youth Radio Stories. Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-26087-0.
External links
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