PRX Announces TRAX, a Podcast Network for Tweens

BOSTON -- (December 12, 2019) –– PRX, the pioneering public media organization that produces and distributes iconic audio programming heard by millions, today announced TRAX, a network of original podcasts for preteens and teens ages 9-13 years old.

Funded by a $1.6 million grant to PRX from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, TRAX will feature free, on-demand audio content that is enriching, entertaining, and diverse in genre, format, style, and voice. The network will launch in 2020.

"As steward of the federal appropriation for public media, CPB works to ensure we are serving the American people in ways that respond to their media needs today with trusted, relevant content,” said Pat Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “Reaching untapped audiences on the platforms they access most is essential and CPB is pleased to collaborate with PRX in the development and launch of TRAX.”

“TRAX will bring public media’s high standards of curation to a mix of both established podcasts and new productions, and will expand to include programming from a variety of ambitious independent creators, established producers, and emerging voices,” said Kerri Hoffman, CEO of PRX. 

PRX has developed the network with guidance from Peabody Award-winning Gen-Z Media, one of the top publishers of high-quality audio content for youth and their families. Gen-Z produces and curates acclaimed podcasts spanning from action-adventure to science education, including "Pants on Fire,"  "Tumble," "Molly of Denali" and "Earth Rangers."  

TRAX will feature podcasts from Gen-Z Media, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Cocotazo Media, members of the team behind Night Vale Presents and more. 

Veteran producer Michelle Smawley will lead TRAX as its executive producer. Smawley has produced and developed programming featured on NBC, PBS, CBS, and A&E. Formerly an instructor at the School of Visual Arts in New York, Smawley has also served as a reporter for KBIA in Missouri.

“TRAX intends to broaden the possibilities of audio for preteens and teens––an under-served audience––with bold programming that can also be trusted by parents and caregivers,” continued Hoffman. “We’re grateful to the Corporation of Public Broadcasting for their support.”

A leading force in podcasting, PRX has excelled as a trusted innovation hub within the public media system, consistently helping independent producers leverage emerging technology-based opportunities to create extraordinary programming and connect with audiences. 

About PRX
PRX is a non-profit media organization shaping the future of audio by producing and distributing content, building technology and training talented, independent producers. PRX believes strong public media is anchored in journalism, strengthened with diverse voices, and amplified by innovative technology. PRX’s award-winning portfolio ranges from iconic public radio programs to a growing body of podcast-first productions. Each month, PRX reaches more than 28.5 million listeners and generates in excess of 70 million podcast downloads. More at prx.org.

About CPB
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government’s investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,500 locally owned and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology and program development for public radio, television and related online services. For more information, visit cpb.org, follow us on Twitter @CPBmedia, Facebook and LinkedIn and subscribe for other updates.