The podcasting education group Associations of Independents in Radio (AIR) is offering a focused three‑part course titled “Reporting Crime in Real Time: Tools, Ethics, and Strategy” beginning November 5.
What the course covers
- The curriculum spans tracking down hard‑to‑find individuals, verifying sources with potential hidden agendas, and reporting unfolding true‑crime stories as they develop.
- The instructor, Javier Leiva, is known for immersive true‑crime podcasts such as "Pretend", "Criminal Conduct", and "The Ponzi Playbook".
- Participants will learn how to avoid re‑victimising survivors while telling compelling stories.
Why this matters for podcast creators & businesses
For creators and small business teams using audio content for marketing or storytelling, this course offers:
- Timely relevance: Real‑time crime coverage demands rapid but responsible decision‑making; understanding tools and ethics is vital.
- Storytelling leverage: True‑crime formats often engage strong audiences; mastering production strategy can help creators expand reach.
- Business value: For brands or educational content teams exploring podcasting, knowing how to handle sensitive topics ethically can protect reputation and build trust.
Key logistical details
- The course is fully online and scheduled to start on Wednesday, November 5 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm EST.
- A sliding‑scale payment option is available to reduce cost barriers.
- Applicants might qualify for reimbursement via the Podcasting Seriously Fund for completed courses.
For creators looking to deepen their skills in sensitive‑topic storytelling—especially in the true‑crime space—this course presents a timely opportunity to refine tools, align ethics, and strike strong content strategy.
