Have you been thinking about applying for your own radio program on KZUM? Now is the time to let us know! 

The KZUM Programmer Academy 2023 will be held on December 9, 10, and 16.

The KZUM Programmer Academy will only be held once or twice per year and is required to become a new volunteer programmer at KZUM.

The academy is designed as three-session training course that will teach you the ins and outs of being a KZUM programmer so that you are as prepared as you can be to take the microphone when called upon.

The academy will include:

  • Regulatory and compliance training
  • Expectations and requirements of volunteer programmers
  • Getting to know KZUM
  • Tips for doing a good program

Attendance at each session is required to successfully complete the Programmer Academy and be eligible for certification as a KZUM programmer. Participants who miss a session will not be eligible to continue in the process. These dates are 1-4 p.m., December 9, 10, and 16.

Upon completion of the Programmer Academy, participants will need to complete 6-10 hours of technical training in the studio, pass the annual programmer certification exam and be a current donor to KZUM ($25 minimum every 12 months).

After these steps are completed, participants will earn their programmer certification and be eligible to substitute for current programmers until they are offered a time slot of their own.

Open time slots in the KZUM program schedule will be offered only to certified programmers who have completed the Programmer Academy and subsequent certification requirements.

Getting your own time slot: if you are accepted into the Programmer Academy in the first place, it means your idea has been identified as one that would be a great fit for KZUM. But please note that completing the academy and becoming a certified programmer does not guarantee you a time slot for your program. Openings in the program schedule tend to be competitive and will be filled based on considerations for programming strategy and community needs.  

Applications for 2023 Programmer Academy are open and can be completed here. Applications close November 15, 2023.

  • Does the idea address current community needs?
  • Does the idea align with any current KZUM programming priorities and/or look like a good fit for the program schedule?
  • Does the idea propose content that is not well-represented in other media in Lincoln?
  • Is the idea well thought out?
  • Does the applicant appear comfortable with the commitment of being a programmer and with fundraising?

Questions? Email the program director at programming@kzum.org.