Young Talk
Young Talk is Aruba’s first youth-led news channel, created and produced by the participants of the Aruba Youth Media Lab. The channel is the result of months of learning, collaboration, and hands-on journalism, where young people were given the space, tools, and trust to tell stories that matter to them and their community.
From the very beginning, the participants took an active role in shaping the channel. Through group discussions and democratic voting, they decided which topics they wanted to investigate. These conversations led to a diverse range of subjects, reflecting the concerns, curiosity, and lived experiences of young people on Aruba — from food security and safety to animal welfare, regional issues, and everyday life on the island.
Working in a newsroom-style environment, the youth explored and rotated through different editorial roles. They learned what it means to work as a reporter in the field, a camera operator, a researcher, a host or podcaster in the studio, and a member of the editorial team. Participants conducted interviews, gathered research, filmed on location, prepared notes for recordings, supported audio and editing during studio sessions, and collaborated to shape each episode from idea to final production.
A key element of Young Talk is teamwork. Each production required coordination between field reporting and studio discussions, allowing participants to experience how different roles come together in real journalism. The group also made space for a dedicated sports segment, led by one of the participants, ensuring that everyone’s interests and talents were represented within the channel.
Throughout the process, young people were encouraged to make editorial decisions together, take responsibility for their work, and reflect on the impact of the stories they were telling. Young Talk is more than a series of episodes — it is a platform where youth voices are taken seriously and where the next generation of media makers gains practical experience in ethical, responsible, and collaborative journalism.
Explore Young Talk
See what happens when young people lead the newsroom.
Watch the channel on YouTube