AIR New Voices AMPLIFY 2026
Ends on
Are you an independent podcaster looking to grow your audience and engagement for your show but you don’t know about marketing and branding and all the things to help you get to the next level? This program might be for you!
Independent creators make up 2 million podcasts, many covering important topics that never make it beyond the top 25% rankings.
New Voices AMPLIFY is an 8-week marketing accelerator for independent creators who have an existing podcast and are ready to dig into the promotional side of things.
The goal of AIR’s New Voices AMPLIFY is to equip independent audio makers with the marketing tools and promotional strategies needed to grow their shows and reach new audiences.
Sixteen participants will receive accelerated learning and access to leading industry professionals and mentors. In addition to workshops and exercises on monetization, audience engagement, promotional campaigns, and more, participants will be a part of a cohort of independent podcasters with the opportunity to build lasting relationships. At the end of the program, you will have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and strategies that will be readily applicable to your podcast!
In addition to the cohort, AIR will host a series of virtual AMPLIFY webinars throughout the Spring. These sessions will be open to all AIR members, ensuring that the entire network has access to high-level marketing insights and industry trends so we can all learn and grow together!
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for independent producers who:
- Have an existing podcast (already launched with a library of episodes).
- Be an independent podcaster who produces/makes their show themselves without the support of mainstream resources. (You do not receive funding from a production company/studio or major network).
- Are ready to move beyond production and master the art of audience development.
- Value community, peer-to-peer learning, and professional mentorship.
- Identifies as historically marginalized. We want to work with people who represent groups that are not typically represented in public media and podcasting. This could be based on a candidate’s race, gender, class background and/or vision. The selection committee is mindful to choose candidates with different abilities, experiences and who come from underrepresented communities and geographic locations. Our goal is to find candidates who will bring an inclusive and dynamic mix to the cohort, New Voices alumni network, and to the audio industry in general.
- Can commit to full participation and attendance at all program dates (listed below). It is mandatory to attend every program meeting.
Timeline
- Applications Open: January 14, 2026
- Information Session: January 21, 2026
- Applications Close: February 2, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
- Program Runs: Tuesdays and Thursdays - May 6th through June 26th from 4pm-6pm ET
- Final Presentations: June 30 & July 1 at 4pm-6pm ET
Learn more about 2025’s New Voices AMPLIFY program.
Subscribe to AIR’s Newsletter and social channels for program updates.
Questions? Contact AIR's New Voices Program Manager at casper@airmedia.org.