NEW YORK — A national network for independent audio creators and journalists that since 1989 has trained, mentored, and advocated for producers, editors, engineers, documentarians, and media entrepreneurs has struck a new dollar-injection agreement with the Ford Foundation.
The Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) has a new five-year partnership with the Ford Foundation, and it sees a $1.5 million investment in AIR designed to strengthen its organizational capacity, expand support for independent audio creators, and build long-term sustainability in the audio industry.
“The Ford Foundation’s support will provide flexible, multi-year funding to help AIR grow stronger and more resilient,” the organization says. “Unlike a traditional project grant, this particular longer-term, special financial allocation will enable AIR to invest in its people, systems, and strategies to adapt, lead, and drive lasting change.”
Over the next five years, the Ford Foundation funding will enable AIR to strengthen the systems that make independent work more viable and fair, expanding access to training, resources, and paid opportunities. It is also designed to allow AIR to grow its staff; advance advocacy and industry standards to improve pay equity, fair contracting, and independent creator representation; and develop new networks and models, including regional hubs, creator cooperatives, and shared economic platforms that increase stability and access for freelancers.
“The resources provided by the Ford Foundation will help us not only continue important work supporting independents in media, but it will enable us to start brand new initiatives that are sorely needed, like advocacy work and more,” said Keisha “TK” Dutes, AIR Board Co-President. “This support strengthens AIR’s ability to organize around issues that impact creators, build collective power, and give independents real influence in how the audio industry operates and evolves.”
