Yesterday, we started a discussion about alternative methods for communicating a fantastic story, peeking into the lives of comic artists and illustrators to find out who to tell the stories that matter. Podcasts and radio are another form that will make your storytelling brain light up in delight.  Creative expression through sound is one of the best ways for young people to have their voices heard – literally.

Telling stories through radio is a tradition as old as the medium itself. Radio dramas date back to as early as 1880, and a still hugely popular today. Nowadays, storytelling through sound is commonly done through podcasts, like All The Best, Serial, or This American Life.

“Radio provides a medium for young people to get their voices heard, literally and figuratively. When it comes to politics and debate, young people are often ignored and radio gives us a chance to respond,” says Rachael Ward, Executive Producer for ‘Represent’ on SYN 90.7 FM.

Community radio stations are the best place to start when beginning to explore storytelling and radio. Stations like SYN 90.7 FM, Radio Adelaide 101.5 FM, 2SER 107.3 FM, and FBi 94.5 FM provide membership, training, and online resources for young people interested in getting on the airwaves. But if you’re not quite sure about live broadcasting, turn your sights to podcasts. Podcasts are the best because they can be cheap to create and easily accessible. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this handy guide from the ABC.

“Sound, unlike films or TV, can really take you anywhere. You can create elaborate soundscapes in your backyard, re-create epic moments with a few well timed effects and even facilitate discussion around those stories,” says Claudia Long, volunteer at SYN 90.7 FM. And that’s exactly what tonights NYWM event ‘Oh hey there, Heywire!’ is all about. Heywire is dedicated to telling the stories of young people in regional Australia. Young storytellers, between the ages of 16 to 22, who are living in regional areas are encouraged to submit their story to have the chance to appear on the airwaves. The winners will have their piece produced and broadcast by the ABC, plus they’ll attend the Heywire summit in Canberra to develop ideas to make regional Australia an even better place for young people.

Tune in tonight to join Broede Carmody unpack the Heywire program and find out how you can get involved. Learn how Thandi Chindove and Michaela Hague produced winning stories with Jonathan Atkins and impacted their communities for the better.

 

NYWM Challenge

Ready for a new NYWM challenge? It’s time to pitch a podcast.

Is there a story you’re just dying to tell? A dull topic that only you could make interesting? A podcast might be the perfect way to have your voice heard and shared online. Check out How to Make a Podcast and use our pitching guide form Day 3 of NYWM to get started on your new podcast.

Good luck, writers! Don’t forget to update us on your progress using #NYWM15 on Twitter.