Youth Journalism Program Empowers Next Generation of Reporters

A new initiative aimed at fostering diversity in journalism has successfully launched its inaugural Summer Journalism Intensive program, organized by the Center for Broadcast Journalism in partnership with Ramsey County Workforce Solutions. The four-week paid training program, designed for participants aged 16 to 24, covers essential skills in television, radio, and print journalism, culminating in internships with local media organizations.

Georgia Ford, president of the Center for Broadcast Journalism, emphasized the program's mission to create opportunities for underrepresented youth in the media industry. She highlighted the systemic barriers that often prevent young people from black and brown communities from entering journalism, noting that the profession can be elitist and inaccessible. Ford shared her personal journey, illustrating the challenges faced by aspiring journalists and the importance of providing equitable access to training and resources.

The program's structure included hands-on learning experiences, where participants quickly transitioned from classroom instruction to fieldwork. Over the course of the month, they engaged in various projects, including writing and publishing online stories, producing radio segments aired on local stations, and creating video profiles of local artists. The final week focused on career readiness, providing participants with professional headshots and networking opportunities with established journalists.

Mary Anne Combs, program director, detailed the intensive's curriculum, which emphasized practical skills and real-world deadlines. Participants not only learned technical skills but also gained insights from industry professionals, including Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Wesley Lowery.

The success of this program marks a significant step toward building a more diverse pipeline in journalism, with the potential for more equitable news coverage in the future. The Center for Broadcast Journalism plans to continue the initiative next summer, aiming to further empower young journalists and enhance representation in the media landscape.