NLGJA 2026 National Convention

We are living in the podcast era where audio and video formats shape how stories are shared, experienced and trusted across platforms. From podcasts and video podcasts to YouTube and social video, these mediums have become essential tools for journalists, creators, and storytellers seeking deeper connection with audiences. This session takes a closer look at audio and video work through the lens of queer narratives, format, and creative approach. The panel brings together perspectives from journalism, platform building, and modern creator culture to examine how queer stories evolve across formats while maintaining trust, care, and responsibility to their communities. Attendees will learn how to translate lived experience into compelling audio and video, select formats that best support both message, and audience and think intentionally about tone, structure and audience connection. The panel will also examine discoverability, distribution and sustainability — offering insight into how queer voices reach audiences across platforms in ways that feel authentic. Designed for journalists, creators, students and media professionals at any stage, this session offers practical tools and guiding principles for navigating the podcast era with intention, creativity and inclusivity.