The Young Reporters History Statement
In 2008, Founder/Creator/Producer Bob Fishman called his good friend Cathy Droz and recruited her as Co-Producer of what started as a simple experiment in kid’s communication.
Designed to get kids off their phones and video games and into actual basic conversations with other kids and adults, in order to build self esteem, overcome shyness, experience the fun of being a part of a team, and learn the joy of putting others first, connecting the community…..in other words, becoming a Matchmaker!
In 2011, The Young Reporters hit the airwaves, and over the next 9 years Bob and Cathy produced over 450 shows while matchmaking their way to a fabulous team of supporters, teammates, and co-producers, all community leader types, culminating into what Bob now calls “an Innovative Entrepreneurial Matchmaking and Communications Curriculum”….a simple methodology designed to “move fast and fix things.”
And then on March 18th, 2020, Covid-19 shut down the world….for awhile….and made the need for fixing things that much bigger…..
The Young Reporters – Now in Collaboration with Arizona State University’s Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute.
Students in the program gain hands-on broadcasting experience using professional podcast equipment at The Arizona State University SkySong.
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The Young Reporters program offers students more than just a lesson in the principles of journalism—it provides them with unique, real-world opportunities to engage directly with community leaders, refine their communication skills, and develop the art of spontaneous, meaningful conversation.
Over the course of the program, participants rotate between serving as interviewers and as special guests, helping them understand both perspectives in a broadcast interview.
This approach not only sharpens their technical skills but also builds their confidence, creativity, and public-speaking abilities.
“At first, I could only think of one question to ask our special guests, but now I can ask a ton of questions,” shared Jose, one of the program’s newest participants.
Beyond the student-led broadcasts, The Young Reporters also produce a segment affectionately known as The Old Version of The Young Reporters, which offers its own blend of insight and entertainment.
Whether you’re tuning in for the curiosity of the young reporters, the wisdom of the guests, or the humor and energy of the hosts, The Young Reporters promises an engaging listening experience.
As Bob likes to say: “What happens when you don’t show up? Nothing.”
“So show up—and listen!”
The Young Reporters Are Ages 7 Years Old & Up
Interviewing top Professionals
& influencers in a unique
PodCast experience
"NEW" Featured Video PodCast
Young & Older Version
