Kids Radio Europe: when young people make journalism, not just consume it

by Myrto Stamelaki, National Federation of Francas, France.

What if media literacy was not only about analysing information, but about creating it? Across Europe, young people are surrounded by media content, yet few have the opportunity to understand how information is actually produced. Kids Radio Europe project responds to this challenge by placing young people behind the microphone, at the heart of the journalistic process, and at the centre of a European cooperation built on shared educational values.

Kids Radio Europe is a two-year European project (2024-2026), designed to strengthen media and information literacy among children and adolescents across Europe. The project is coordinated by the National Federation of Francas in France, in partnership with Technische Jugendfreizeit- und Bildungsgesellschaft – TJFBG in Germany, European School Radio and the International Hellenic University in Greece. It is funded by the European Union through the Creative Europe – Media Literacy programme.

All partners share a common vision: supporting children and adolescents in becoming informed, critical and engaged citizens in a democratic, inclusive and sustainable society. Media and information literacy, youth participation and openness to the world are at the core of this approach.

Objectives of the project

Kids Radio Europe aims to allow children, teenagers and young people to:

• express themselves via the radio on FM waves or on the internet, to talk about themselves, what they like, what they do, to debate themes that concern them, to broadcast music that they love, at home, at school or in their leisure centres, in their towns, their neighbourhoods
• to assert themselves, to promote the projects they have led, it is also to take a look at their environment, to meet others whether they are children, adolescents, adults
• to open up and flourish culturally
• to create news and radio reports themselves and thus know the process of producing verified information.

To achieve these objectives, the project combines youth exchanges, media production activities and professional journalist involvement, ensuring that learning takes place through real experience rather than theory alone.

Key outcomes and innovations

Over its two-year duration, Kids Radio Europe has delivered several concrete outcomes that will continue beyond the project’s end.

YouthRadio.eu – a European youth media platform

One of the project’s flagship results is the creation of YouthRadio.eu, a multilingual and inclusive European web radio and podcast platform dedicated to content produced by and for young people. YouthRadio.eu hosts radio programmes, podcasts and live broadcasts and AI integrated tools. The platform is designed according to European accessibility GDPR and DSA standards and promotes a safe cross-border access to youth voices.

Artificial intelligence tools for audio content

The project also explores the use of artificial intelligence to improve access to audio media. AI-based tools have been developed and integrated to Youthradio.eu to support:

• research within audio content,
• automated translation of podcasts into multiple languages,
• wider dissemination of youth-produced content across Europe.

These tools aim to reduce language barriers and increase the visibility of young people’s media productions.

Inclusive radio workshop methodologies

Inclusion is a central pillar of Kids Radio Europe. The project has developed inclusive methods for radio workshops, ensuring that children and adolescents with disabilities can fully participate in media production activities. Flexible role distribution adapted tools and supportive pedagogical approaches allow all young people to contribute according to their abilities and interests.

A dedicated practical guide on inclusive radio workshops will be published soon, providing educators and youth workers with concrete tools to replicate these methods in their own contexts.

Intercultural journalist residencies Another key outcome of the project is the organisation of intercultural journalist residencies during youth exchanges. Professional journalists worked in immersion with groups of young people aged 12 to 16 in Greece and Germany, supporting them throughout the journalistic process. These residencies enabled participants to experience real media production, from editorial choices to interviews and ethical reflection, while also encouraging intercultural cooperation and dialogue.

Looking ahead

As Kids Radio Europe approaches its conclusion in April 2026, the project lives on through the voices, stories and perspectives of the young people who helped shape it.

The Media & Learning community is warmly invited to discover authentic youth-produced programmes, podcasts and reports on YouthRadio.eu, a space where young Europeans speak in their own words about the world around them. Educators, teachers and youth workers are equally invited to join the YouthRadio.eu media literacy community, explore the different functions of the platform, connect with peers across Europe and contribute to innovative radio practices. By engaging with the platform, professionals can help amplify youth voices and support the next generation in becoming confident, critical and responsible media participants.

Start listening. Get inspired. Or better yet – become part of it!  https://youthradio.eu/

Author

Myrto Stamelaki, Manager of European and media literacy projects at the National Federation of Francas, France.