Goal Four: Launch Research and Development Opportunities
Youth Radio has traditionally earned minimal revenue from our youth produced commentaries and reports. The Research and Development work will complement our enhanced technical infrastructure, expanded media content and broadened distribution channels to develop and launch feasible and sustainable income generating ventures. These entrepreneurial initiatives will provide workplace opportunities for young people to develop marketable jobs skills, participate in the creation of business opportunities to diversify our financial resources and contribute to the economic revitalization of Downtown Oakland.
The goals of the Research and Development at Youth Radio are to:
- Partner with National Public Radio, Public Broadcasting Service, Sundance, iTunes, MySpace, YouTube and other Internet and multi-media companies to distribute, package, brand and market youth produced content.
- Provide broadcast quality recording and video services to independent producers, journalists, recording artists, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations in our newsroom; voice, video and music studios; and eight edit booths.
- Launch two fee-for-service audio, video, web, newsprint and converged media job training programs with Peralta Community College and the Alameda Oakland Regional Occupational Program.
- Disseminate the YMI curriculum to non-profit organizations, educators and government agencies and work with local, state and national leaders to develop media and information technology job-training programs to address youth learning, community and workforce development, civic engagement and access to technology.
Youth Radio’s development into the Youth Media International Network within the next three years will involve deepening youth development services and skills training for its participants ages 14-24, and broadening the range of media outlets and audiences. The Youth Media International Network will begin to explore methods of sustainability through a modified board structure and a diversified funding base. Through these efforts, Youth Radio will amplify its mission to promote young people's intellectual, creative and professional growth through training and access to media and to produce the highest quality original media for local, national and international outlets.
