Teen Radio Project

KJZZ's Teen Radio Project is a program directed by KJZZ 91.5 and administered by Friends of Public Radio Arizona. Teen Radio matches a cohort of journalism students from Valley high schools with experienced KJZZ reporters for a unique, hands-on mentoring experience that guides teenagers through the process of pitching story ideas, writing interview questions, setting and conducting interviews, scripting, editing, and producing three minute features for potential airing on KJZZ's Morning Edition.

Teen Radio seeks to bring listeners insightful, engaging student-produced pieces that present teen perspectives on a variety of issues important to the community.

Teen Radio is still growing and developing. Initial support for the project has been through designated gifts from individuals and foundations including:

The Carstens Family Foundation
Mike and Brandi Minor
Melanie Trent
Richard DeSchutter
Jim and Linda Saunders
Mark and Jennifer Dioguardi
John and Judy Roberson
US Airways Education Fund
Alexander & Baldwin Foundation and the employees of Matson Navigation

Visit the Teen Radio webpage by clicking here. You will be able to listen to archived stories, see photos of the teens involved in the project and support the project with a designated gift.

The major goals of the Teen Radio project are:

Connect teenagers interested in journalism to public radio and enhance the potential for future careers within public broadcasting.
Expand KJZZ's teenage audience by utilizing various new media delivery formats and by producing broadcast quality features written and produced by teens.
Provide an opportunity for young adults to participate in the inner workings of a radio newsroom including pitching story ideas, fact checking, documentation skills, decision making, interviewing, and writing news reports.
Provide a mentorship program to students interested in broadcast journalism.
Build character and confidence among teens by providing an opportunity to connect with professionals working for a major market National Public Radio affiliate radio station.