Skip to main content

Google Podcasts creator program opens to provide training, funding, & promote inclusivity

With the Android app’s launch in June, the Google Podcasts creator program was also teased to promote inclusive storytelling and increase diversity in podcasting. Google is now opening sign-ups for a training program that will feature seed funding to create unique and sustainable shows.

The Google Podcasts creator program aims to address two imbalances as the industry is skyrocketing in popularity: “Women and people of color are still underrepresented as hosts, and many of the world’s most popular podcasts hail from western, urban areas.” It has three main pillars:

  1. Empowering and training underrepresented voices through an accelerator program
  2. Educating a global community with free tools
  3. Showcasing participants’ work as a model for others

The first pilar begins now, with Google partnering with PRX to lead and manage the program, including the 20-weeks of training. Interested partners can submit pitches for unique shows that highlight diverse viewpoints.

A global advisory committee will select teams to receive mentorship, seed funding, and what Google calls an “intensive 20-week training.” This involves technical assistance and editorial input, as well as lessons on marketing, promotion, budgeting, visual branding, and the best social media practices.

Exact criteria for what the creators program is looking for includes:

  • Represent a range of geographies, backgrounds, views, voices and styles
  • Either self-identify as marginalized in the podcasting landscape – whether due to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, economic background, sexual orientation, age, physical abilities or some other reason – or intend to reach an audience that self-identifies as marginalized in the podcasting landscape
  • Have a fresh and compelling podcast idea
  • Are interested in making their podcasts sustainable in terms of growing revenue and audience

In addition to this program, at the end of the training session, PRX will publish podcast 101 videos in multiple languages to meet the second pillar. Applications close on November 18th.


Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com