Home Entertainment NPR and LAist Studios Partner to Launch Incubator for Latine Creators

NPR and LAist Studios Partner to Launch Incubator for Latine Creators

OYE NPR LAist BELatina Latinx
Photo courtesy of LAist Studios.

We often talk about the problem of the streaming monopoly and how difficult it is for independent Latine artists and creators to get a foothold in the industry. Well, it seems our concerns have been heard. NPR and LAist Studios have joined forces to launch “Oye: The Lab for Latinx Creators,” an incubator for creators with fresh ideas and looking to connect with influential audio organizations.

NPR is one of the top podcast publishers ranked by Podtrac, with five programs in the top 20. LAist Studios is the development studio for the digital news site of the same name, which reaches more than seven million people per month.

Undoubtedly, the partnership of these two organizations, known for their outreach to independent creator communities, will bring audiences programming that genuinely represents the Latine population.

“Good ideas need space and tools so they can get produced – that is exactly what Oye is for. Oye will be the place to go from blueprint to launch, with the full support of the best professionals in audio storytelling,” said Antonia Cerejido, Executive Producer LAist Studios, in a press release. “LAist Studios pledged that 100% of our shows will be either hosted/produced and/or staffed by creators of underrepresented communities. We have a track record of successful shows with Latinx creators like California Love, Wild, Yeah No I’m not ok, Norco 80, and the upcoming Lost Revolutionary and Human/Nature.”

As reported by NPR, the initiative consists of a six-week virtual workshop during which NPR and LAist Studios will work with finalists from across the country to develop new programming centered on the LAtinx+Latino/a/e experience.

Oye participants will receive training, mentoring, and resources to develop their proposal and conduct a proof of concept and a stipend to cover the work and time invested in the project. They will present their pilot projects to a small audience, and pitches will be considered for further development.

“Oye and our partnership with LAist Studios will allow us to elevate Latinx voices by providing resources and offering training to early-career creators. We’re thrilled to have this new programming join Alt Latino and Radio Ambulante and increase our offering for Latinx audiences,” said Yolanda Sangweni, Senior Director of Programming at NPR.

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