SLB Radio is hosting a new live-streaming event for teens interested in journalism, and there are several ways to get involved. We’re seeking live-show hosts, contest entries and listeners to tune in at YouthExpress.org, as part of the Remake Learning Days festival! 

Find all related links, descriptions, and get your questions about Streaming the News answered right here. 

How Teens Can Get Involved: 

Students in Grades 6 to 12 with an interest in journalism are invited to co-host “Streaming the News,” a new live broadcast that focuses on the state of reporting and the future of journalism in Pittsburgh. Join the conversation on where young people get their information and what they hope the future of journalism looks like in Pittsburgh and beyond. 

We’ll go live on Saturday, May 2, from 1 – 4 pm, the day before the last edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is set to be published. 

Hosts will be sorted into groups based on their availability for a two-hour block. In the first hour, they’ll work with the help of an SLB staff educator to plan their hour-long broadcast by choosing topics related to local news, music and more. In the second hour, they’ll broadcast live on youthexpress.org.

Staff educators will be available to help every step of the way: No radio experience is required or expected.

Each hour-long slot will include pre-recorded pieces submitted to our Recording the News contest (see below). We’re also reaching out to college and professional journalists across the Pittsburgh area. They will call-in to ask questions and share stories or advice from their time in the field; these calls will be screened by SLB staff educators. 

At the SLB Radio studio inside the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, students use professional technology.

All participants will receive a $25 stipend. The only requirement, besides a genuine interest, is being registered for SLB’s after school program, which is free and easy for parents to do online at our Student Hub page. 

This is the first time SLB Radio is running this Remake Learning Days event, but it is similar in scope to our long-running MLK Day program, Streaming Justice.  

Apply to host Streaming the News right here. 

How Teens Can Enter the “Recording the News” Contest 

In addition to the live broadcast, we’re running a contest called Recording the News. Students interested in audio and journalism should submit an audio piece of up to three minutes. These pieces should be one of the following: 

A commentary or learning short about journalism and reporting in or around Pittsburgh. These pieces should include some amount of research or reporting; we’re especially interested in pieces about the history of journalism in Pittsburgh. 
An audio news story featuring original reporting. Students may either take something they’ve already written to turn into an audio piece OR they can report out and record a new piece. 

We highly recommend that students entering the contest join us at the Youth Media Center, located on the lower level of the Children’s Museum, to receive guidance and feedback on their audio project. We’re open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The best times to drop-in are: 

Tuesday, April 7 and Saturday, April 18: We’re hosting workshops to help students progress on their contest submissions. Students will receive an overview of reporting and recording best practices, and SLB staff educators will be available to offer feedback and answer questions. 
Any Monday from March 2 to April 20, from 3 to 6 p.m: On Mondays, our students are working on independent projects and SLB staff educators are available to offer feedback and answer questions. 

Photo courtesy of SLB Radio.

While it’s not required that entrants come in to the YMC, the quality of the audio recording is a large part of what we’re judging pieces on. Audio recorded in our professional studio will be much better quality than audio recorded at home or on a phone. 

All contest entrants will receive a $25 stipend. The winner will receive an additional $75 stipend, for a total of $100. The winner will be selected by Erin Anderson, Pitt professor and the producer of “Cement City.” 

Students are welcome to apply to be a host AND submit to the contest.

Got any questions? Reach out to SLB staff educators Alexa (alexa@slbradio.org) and Megan (megan@slbradio.org).  

How to Get Involved with RLD Virtually 

Join SLB Radio online and tune in to “Streaming the News,” a live conversation hosted by teens, featuring youth-selected topics, music, conversation and more. Learn about the goals, hopes, and visions teens have for the future of journalism and reporting in Pittsburgh and in their own lives. Tune in to listen live at youthexpress.org.

Let our students know you’re listening by filling out the listener’s RSVP Form.