Public Radio News Directors Incorporated Names Youth Radio as Finalist in Two Award Categories

Youth Radio is a finalist for the Public Radio News Directors Incorporated (PRNDI) Awards in two categories. “Clearing a Criminal Record for a Juvenile Comes at a Cost,” a report from Youth Radio’s Juvenile Justice desk by Sayre Quevedo, and “There Are No Children In Oakland,” a commentary by Joshua Clayton, are both up for the national award, which honors the best of public radio.

“Clearing a Criminal Record for a Juvenile Comes at a Cost,” by reporter Sayre Quevedo, has been nominated in the PRNDI Awards Hard Feature category. Quevedo shares the story of a young offender who is applying to seal his juvenile record. The report reveals how the complex process to clear a criminal record for juveniles is more challenging than for adults, and how starting off in adulthood as a “marked man” damages opportunities for future success. Quevedo’s piece aired on Crosscurrents, public radio station KALW’s news show.

In addition to his award nomination, Quevedo has been honored with a $500 scholarship and fully-funded travel to participate in PRNDI’s annual conference in Washington, DC this week.

Joshua Clayton’s candid portrayal of challenges growing up in the “Lower Bottoms” of Oakland highlights the presence of violence, the loyalties felt towards one’s community, and the dearth of mentors available for young males of color. His piece “There Are No Children In Oakland” is a finalist in the PRNDI Awards Commentary category and was broadcast on KQED, the most listened to public radio station in the nation.

Youth Radio Producer Brett Myers reflected that, “Watching Joshua transform his experience into such a compelling commentary reminds me of how powerful this process can be for young people who so often come away with a deeper understanding of their own story by virtue of sharing it.”

The announcement of these awards coincides with the upcoming A Gathering of Leaders 2014 conference, which works to create a culture where the success for men and boys of color is the norm. The conference will take place from June 16-18 in Oakland, California, during which Youth Radio will be hosting a tour of its facilities and leading a panel focusing on using technology to improve outcomes for young men of color.