PRX to Launch TRAX Podcast Network for Tweens in 2020

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 12, 2019 | 4:51pm CT

Trax

PRX, the public media organization that produces and distributes audio programming, has announced TRAX, a network of original podcasts for pre-teens and teens, ages 9-13 years old. Funded by a $1.6 million grant to PRX from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, TRAX will feature podcasts from Gen-Z Media, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Cocotazo Media, members of the team behind Night Vale Presents and more. The network is set to launch in 2020.

"As steward of the federal appropriation for public media, CPB works to ensure we are serving the American people in ways that respond to their media needs today with trusted, relevant content," said Corporation for Public Broadcasting President/CEO Pat Harrison. "Reaching untapped audiences on the platforms they access most is essential and CPB is pleased to collaborate with PRX in the development and launch of TRAX."

"TRAX will bring public media's high standards of curation to a mix of both established podcasts and new productions, and will expand to include programming from a variety of ambitious independent creators, established producers, and emerging voices," added PRX CEO Kerri Hoffman.

PRX has developed the network with guidance from Gen-Z Media, a publisher of audio content for youth and their families. Gen-Z produces and curates podcasts spanning from action-adventure to science education, including "Pants on Fire," "Tumble," "Molly of Denali" and "Earth Rangers."

Veteran producer Michelle Smawley will lead TRAX as its executive producer. Smawley has produced and developed programming featured on NBC, PBS, CBS and A