Here are some testimonials from AMP interns…
“The AMP Training Program has contributed to helping me attain my goal to be an Audio Producer in a variety of ways. I’ve had the opportunity to work close with the Operations department, Program Directors, and a variety of Programmers. My first 3 month internship with the Operations Department helped me figure out what part of radio I liked the best. I learned how to work the boards for the first time, edit audio, and prepare for a live broadcast. I’ve been able to take those skills and apply them in different areas of my work.
After my Operations Internship, I came back as a Content Producer for two shows. Bauersfeld Playhouse was a weekly show where we’d interview theater companies, actors, and Directors about upcoming local Bay Area shows. Best of KPFA was the second show I worked on, which was a bi-weekly program that played past interviews or broadcasts from KPFA or the Pacifica Radio Archives. I was able to take my skills I had previously learned to interview and record guests, upload shows, and do research for potential shows or ideas.
One of my favorite things about the internship program is that you are never going to feel helpless. There is always someone willing to help you and teach you new things. I had the chance to learn a lot of history not only about the station, but about the Bay Area as well. This station has been around for a long time, and it strives to help and inform the community. I appreciate the support from everyone in the building.”
– Tanaya Landry
“KPFA has given me more skills and hands on experience than any other radio I have interned with, such as learning Hindenburg, how to operate the board, and how to manage the phone for live shows. The program really emphasizes the learning aspect of an internship, and Antonio does a great job to help facilitate and develop interns’ skills and confidence with new tasks or responsibilities, like uploading a show to DAD or working the board. He pushes us to work at a pace that not only supports our individual skill levels, but also challenges us to do a little more or work a little faster.
One of my favorite parts of the internship so far was working on our kindness interview projects. Our first class was a radio production class where we learned how to conduct interviews and create short radio stories. In this project we interviewed a fellow intern to learn about a random act of kindness they experienced. I really enjoyed this because I got to learn a lot about the other interns as well as develop my own interviewing skills. The AMP Training Program has given me so many skills to take with me in future jobs and has been a huge step forward in my career.”
– Kaya Sakamoto
“Being a KPFA Intern is a match made in heaven. Giving me the opportunity to hone my skills in audio production and editing and learning about radio broadcasting, podcasting as well as voice over training and radio announcing. This experience has already given me the knowledge and mentorship to create a podcast using interviews of senior citizens I have collected over the years.
I was looking for ways to learn more about audio production so I could better share the life stories I have collected and to find different mediums to tell these stories. When I heard about the internship from Antonio and Erica I knew I had to take this once in a lifetime opportunity and it being at KPFA was an added benefit.”
– Peter Stickney
“Having had the privilege of being introduced to the basics of radio production through KPFA’s First Voice Apprenticeship Program, and then the opportunity to actually produce a weekly program for the substation KPFB, it was clear that I needed two things: 1) a better understanding of the technical aspects of production, and 2) a much larger vision of what is possible in terms of creating valuable compelling content that listeners relate to.
Speaking of privilege, fast forward to the present where I’m now an intern in the KPFA operations department, and learning more about the technical aspects of this digital age is more than a notion. Primarily because my main focus has always been on the creative side of things. But the truth is for example, a dancer (at least an excellent one) doesn’t just get out there and dance. There are classes – and muscles that have to be developed – and techniques – and rehearsals that must precede performance. As in any field, if you want to excel, you have to do the work. True, it’s possible to get by with the basics, even make a lot of money if you’re talented and clever. But knowing how to edit, which mic to use, how to communicate without sounding like you’re reading, or being comfortable unscripted, how to troubleshoot technical issues, knowing the current FCC rules, technical and practical techniques for interviews – this knowledge helps solidify the foundation for whatever career in radio you may choose. And these have all been presented within the first six weeks of the program, before the global pandemic put most of our progress on hold.
It’s challenging, especially when you’re in the board op’s seat for the first few times and just have to go for it (under supervision, of course. But still…). Or when the board is intentionally rearranged so that you have to figure out why it’s not functioning properly. It’s the best way to learn – hands on. That said, my fear of technology is receding, and I’m looking forward to jumping back in with both feet!”
– Prema Jackson (KPFA Intern)
“The AMP Training Program enabled me to gain hands-on experience with live radio shows. I had previously worked on music programming and the chance to work with live hosts, guests, phone calls, and everything else which goes into a live show was a great opportunity which eventually led to the opportunity to engineer for the US Senate Impeachment trial! My favorite part of the AMP Training Program was exploring my interests in different aspects of radio, in particular the flexibility to learn more about public affairs programming, live performances, and engineering remote connections. I even had the chance to help with a few live broadcast performances!”
– Kyle Gustafson (KPFA Intern)