Powerful Voices

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Dear Influencer,

As the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper marked its 125th anniversary in 2020, we accepted the challenges of reporting what we call “the triple pandemic.” They include the lethal Coronavirus pandemic that led to the second pandemic, the twin evils of police brutality and disregard for Black life, and thirdly, equity issues that have tormented African-Americans for generations.

All three of these issues have collided and given rise to a determined movement for change. The path to equity is paved by those speaking on behalf of the underrepresented. In recognition of 125 years of community service, the Powerful Voices campaign was created.

The Recorder Charities, a non-profit subsidiary of the Recorder, launched the Powerful Voices campaign to inspire and invest in future Black journalists, graphic designers, broadcasters, and other media career opportunities, right here in Indianapolis. The media industry is underrepresented. We believe our industry’s future truly depends on cultivating, training, and equipping talent to engage, compete, and contribute to our community’s overall economic competitiveness.

As a critical stakeholder and community leader, we ask you and your organization to invest in our Powerful Voices Campaign. We have identified a group of leaders like you to secure the resources needed to make our goals a reality.

I want to schedule some time to share the rich history of the Recorder Charities and why it is essential that we re-ignite this initiative for the good of the Indianapolis community and our children.

What are some possible meeting times within the next two weeks?

Who is AMC?

AMC

Overview

Let's inspire and invest in future Black journalists, graphic designers, broadcasters, and other media career opportunities, right here in Indianapolis.

The vision of the Indianapolis Recorder ACADEMY FOR MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS (AMC) Initiative is to carve out more pathways to career success in the media communications industry for more young people from the Most Vulnerable Populations (MVP) in the Indianapolis area.

We achieve this by encouraging creative expression and providing high-level training on state-of-the-art digital equipment to young adults across the city. Through our innovative approach to professional practice and our real-world practical opportunities, aspiring professionals develop the skills necessary to compete in this very competitive industry.

Responding to the need and demand for young people of color

to be trained in media communications, The Indianapolis Recorder, in partnership with The Next Generation Initiative is launching the new Academy for Media Communications.

The first cohort group will begin training at the start of the 2021-22 school year. Participants in the program will receive professional-level training in journalism, broadcasting, live sports production, long-form project production, and digital content creation and management. The yearlong program will be constructed based on two essential pillars, in-class curriculum exploration and training and hands-on, real-world experiences.

The Next Generation team has over 40 years of experience training youth from Most Vulnerable Populations (MVP) in Indianapolis.

 We have seen firsthand how the development of 21st-century skills has led to relevant employment for many of our cities’ MVPs. It has not only changed the lives of these young people; it has also empowered them to use these acquired skills to make a difference in the world around them.

Through this program, participants will be guided down the path of individual skill discovery to realize the best fit for them in an opportunity-rich career sector. Not only has the proliferation of media communications provided us with unprecedented access to news and entertainment, but it has also created a wealth of opportunities for those who have the talent to harness its power and influence.

The Academy of Media Communications programming will be administered and directed by media professionals working for and in collaboration with the Recorder Media Group. Participants will be guided through the Beginner Level to the Advanced Level of the program. Upon completion of the

Gained Experience

Through this program, participants will be guided down the path of individual skill discovery to realize the best fit for them in an opportunity-rich career sector. Not only has the proliferation of media communications provided us with unprecedented access to news and entertainment, but it has also created a wealth of opportunities for those who have the talent to harness its power and influence.

The Academy of Media Communications programming will be administered and directed by media professionals working for and in collaboration with the Recorder Media Group. Participants will be guided through the Beginner Level to the Advanced Level of the program. Upon completion of the

Beginner Level, students will be able to:

  • Understand the principles and practices of journalism
  • Understand the influential role media plays in our current society
  • Identify all parts and demonstrate the proper use of a field camera
  • Demonstrate proper lighting techniques under various conditions
  • Understand the various aspects of the Production Process (Pre, Production, and Post)
  • Demonstrate the utilization of editing software
  • Create and compose a written script for both print and digital delivery
  • Create and compose a storyboard for video production
  • Understand the role of all team members and how the various talents come together
  • Distinguish between the various distribution channels based upon the project
  • Distinguish between good and bad production techniques and outcomes.

Once the trainees reach the Advanced Level of the program, they will be able to:

  • Execute professional-level writing techniques
  • Independently create projects that meet professional industry standards
  • Conceptualize a project idea and communicate that idea to other team members
  • Effectively use the latest in mobile and studio production technology
  • Proficiently demonstrate industry-standard production techniques
  • Effectively apply learned skills to various creative forms of media production
  • Function in the management, administrative, and operations aspects of media communications
  • Be prepared to pursue a degree in media communications or a related field
  • Work alongside media professionals on actual production projects
  • Market their skills to prospective employers or clients

Along with all the other aspects of the training, participants will be able to work on live sports productions with the MIC Network, a sports production initiative with “live-streamed” over 200 events. Also unique to the program is the emphasis placed on personal branding. Participants will receive training and resources on how to build and sustain a positive personal and professional image and impression.

All the current data suggests that media communications will continue to be one of the main ways we communicate personally and professionally. The opportunities for those who are trained in the production and distribution of this media are sure to expand with this increased demand. Our belief and experience that the young people who go through our program will be well-prepared to pursue and realize success in the media communications’ competitive field

Assumptions:

  • This budget is based on a program that will be under the school year.
  • This budget is for year one of the programs.
  • The program will accommodate 40 students the first year
  • Program length is 36 weeks, including summer
  • Each participant will receive 270 hours of classroom instruction and training, based on every other day attendance schedule
  • All participants will receive additional in-field training and experience

Personnel:

  • The plan calls for three in-class trainers/instructors
  • The plan calls for a Program Director/Coordinator

See our infographics below

To see our full budget list

1st Year

$51,210

$75,000

$172,000

2nd Year

$25,900

$234,000

3rd Year

$25,900

$336,000

4th Year

$25,900

$398,000

Type Item Number Cost Year 1 (40 Students) Cost Year 2 (80 Students) Cost Year 3 (120 Students) Cost Year 4 (160 Students)
Equipment Computers 10 $15,000.00 $15,000.00 $15,000.00 $15,000.00
Equipment DSLR Camera 4 $16,000.00 $8,000.00 $4,000.00 $4,000.00
Equipment Gimbal 10 $1,100.00
Equipment Smartphone 10 $1,500.00
Equipment Light Kit 3 $1,050.00
Equipment Microphones 6 $2,000.00
Equipment Audio Field Recorders 5 $1,000.00
Equipment Adobe CC Software 10 $6,360.00
Equipment Big Screen Monitor 1 $1,200.00
Equipment Yetti Podcast Microphone 10 $1,300.00
Equipment Apple TV 1 $2,600.00 $2,400.00 $2,400.00 $2,400.00
Equipment Printer 1 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00
Equipment SD Cards 200 $1,200.00
Equipment Portable Green Screen 2 $400.00
Facility Facility Renovation $75,000.00
Team Program Expenses $12,000.00 $24,000.00 $36,000.00 $48,000.00
Team Program Director 1 $70,000.00 $70,000.00 $70,000.00 $70,000.00
Team Program Assistant 2 $40,000.00 $40,000.00 $80,000.00 $80,000.00
Team Program Intern 4 $30,000.00 $60,000.00 $90,000.00 $120,000.00
Team Per Time Assistant 4 $20,000.00 $40,000.00 $60,000.00 $80,000.00