PRX starts the “Ready To Learn” podcast accelerator for production teams making kids’ content

In a venture to encourage kid-friendly podcasts, PRX has launched Ready To Learn, an accelerator program for producers who have the same goal. It’s a 16-week training course conducted by PRX and childerns’ programmers from PBS KIDS.

The program provides $10,000 in expenses and travel reimbursement. At the end there is access to, and representation in, PRX’s podcast distribution and advertising platforms.

Five teams will be accepted into the accelerator. Applications are open at the program website. Applying teams should have some background in childrens’ storytelling and educational media. Content can be fiction of non-fiction but, as PRX defines, “must be guided by a framework of introducing children ages 4-8 and their families or caregivers to the world of work.”

Submissions are accepted through March 19. Prospective applicants can register for information sessions on the website.

“We believe public media can, and should, be the vanguard for values and excellence in podcasting for youth and their families,” said Kerri Hoffman, CEO at PRX. “PRX is proud to play a leading role in supporting the ambition of a collaborative effort through the Ready To Learn initiative.”

“We’re thrilled at the opportunity to be able to collaborate with new talent and diverse voices through this program,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “We believe it’s critical that children see and hear themselves in PBS KIDS content, and we hope this will be a positive step forward in continuing to showcase these stories.”

“The Ready To Learn initiative has always provided opportunities to support young children’s learning on new and innovative platforms. We are pleased to partner with PRX to bring podcasting to the Ready To Learn initiative and to help parents and children learn together,” said Debra Tica Sanchez, Senior Vice President of Education and Children’s Content at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

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Brad Hill