Kids can make the difference,” Laure Grandbesançon, producer at Radio France International, highlighted. But in order to do so, they must be given the opportunity. Juska Wendland, radio host at YLE, who is currently writing a PhD about podcast audiences and their sense of community, shared his research by posing the following question: How can radio and audio professionals create a sense of community when the listeners are not simultaneously present?
The answer is participation. “Give the power to your listeners. Enable meaningful participation. Participation is power,” Wendland said. “The need for participation is important for audiences of all ages,” he added.
This is also what Laure Grandbesançon does with the podcast “Les Odyssées”, a cartoon for the ears that mixes history and fiction in a quirky, offbeat tone since 2019. Of course, it is difficult to promote participation through a podcast. For this reason, Grandbesançon explained that “Les Odyssées” interacts with children through its adaptation into books, a theatre show, a symphony concert, as well as a contest that challenges kids to create their own podcast. “My goal is to offer kids energy and entertainment and make stories for them as strong as those made for adults.”
And what about live radio for kids? Aleksandra Milinkovic Dadic, programme director at Bravo KIDS, shared the story of the first kids’ radio station in Croatia. Bravo Kids aims to create a new generation of listeners, have a positive impact on younger generations, and also provide parents with a useful tool to keep their children occupied when needed, such as when traveling by car. “We have a mission to ensure that every kindergarten in Croatia listens to Radio Bravo Kids. That’s why we decided to launch a campaign to donate a DAB+ device to kindergartens across the country,” Aleksandra Milinkovic Dadic explained.
In the end, whether it’s through podcasts, live radio, or interactive contests, one thing is clear: when kids are given the chance to participate, they truly make a difference. So, let’s hand them the mic and watch them change the game!
image © Afroditi Zaggana
