SLB Radio Productions Inc

Overview and Mission -- SLB Radio Productions, Inc. (SLB) is a non-profit that uses radio and audio to amplify voices of youth — and members of other communities whose stories are often marginalized — to educate, empower, and build community. Our work is based on the principle that all people have the capacity and right to develop their authentic voice and know that their voice matters — that they matter — and that their voice can be used for self-expression, inquiry, and change.

History and Facilities -- With roots dating to 1978 and founded as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2000, we conduct programs from our 3,500 square foot Youth Media Center co-located in space we lease from the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh on the Northside. Our facility includes five studios, large collaboration spaces, eight fully-equipped editing and production workstations, and classrooms. SLB programs include youth journalism, podcasting, live radio, commentaries, oral histories, and more. While we work with young children and adults, we are best known for our programs that engage teens.

Why Radio? -- Radio is a tremendous equalizer; all can participate regardless of physical capability or appearance.  Radio stresses fundamental language and communications skills as well as imagination, creating a sense of individual engagement similar to being with another human being. Radio also provides a degree of privacy (participants need not be photographed) and helps sharpen important life skills (e.g., speaking and listening, imagination, creative expression, critical thinking, respect for others, confidence, cooperation and technical curiosity). Youth tell us time and again that radio, unlike video, offers them a chance to be themselves. Finally, use of radio simplifies creating and delivering content  and anticipates the growing market for smartphones and connected dashboards.