Podcasts are audio files that can be downloaded and listened to on various devices. They allow niche audiences to access specific content of interest on-demand. While not as mainstream as visual media, podcasts appeal to listeners by feeling like an intimate conversation with a friend. They cover a wide variety of topics and can be used for entertainment or education. Podcasts are accessible for both listeners and creators, allowing regular people to share content without large budgets. Their freedom from censorship regulations enables innovative content.

1. PODCASTS
Definition of podcast:
‘A digital audio file madeavailable on the Internetfor downloadingto a
computer or portable media player, typically available as a series, new
installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically’.
 The term was first introduced in 2004. Fairly recentconcept.
 My question: In a society dominated by visualmedia, how are podcasts
still relevant?
 Analyzefrom ‘AudienceCriticism’perspectiveand ‘Author Criticism’
perspective
Podcasts are a similar to other mediasuch as radio, YouTubevideosand blogs.
Becauseit is an audio file, peoplecan subscribe to a podcast, and it provides
free content for users.
In an article, it said that
“Podcasting offersthe accessibility and linearity of audio content, but because
it is chosen by listeners rather than offered by broadcasters, podcastsoften
appealto niche audienceswho select specific content geared to their interests”
– Wrather
From an audienceperspective:
The audiencehas the power to choose how they wantto listen to a podcast.
- It’s available on demand
- Differentcategories available, like: Arts, Business, Comedy, Lifestyle, Culture,
and Technology.
Sometimes podcasts can also be used for educationalpurposes. And university
courses
- Podcasts can be listened on differentapps
- It is possible to custom the sound effectson certain apps: for example, the
speed of the voices, the clarity of the voices with voice boost, and to shorten
silences.

2. Prosof listening to podcasts
- It feels like someone‘just like us’ is talking to us, not a celebrity
- There is a feeling of intimacy as if weare listening to a friend conversation
- Feeling that weare experiencingsomething
- Learn about differenttopics or issues dependingon our personalinterests
However, podcastsdo not have the mainstream attention that other media
have
Studies have been conducted to show the typical podcastlistener. Described
as...
- Youngand affluent
- Socially and culturally motivated
- Active on social media
- Morewealthy and educated
From a production perspective
The goal is to create a podcastthat does not look ‘amateur’
In order to achieve this, it is importantto consider the sound quality of the
podcast. For example, avoidingbackground noises and makingsureto use
quality equipmentthat will record the sound properly. Itis also importantto
be likable and provideinteresting contentthat peoplewill actually want to
listen to. And if there is morepeoplespeaking duringthe podcast, to make
surethat the voices are distinct and that peopleare not talking at the same
time.
Differenttypesof podcast
- Solo: can be news-related, opinions, tutorialsor any other pertinent
information
- Interview (2 viewpoints)
- Multi-host: Moreconversation, typesare similar to solo podcasting
Sometimes podcasts are also offered in ‘live versions’which mean that they
are recorded in front of an audience.

3. An author of a podcastnewsletter said
« A large number of podcasts are not highly produced affairsof artists and
creators, but instead justregular peoplesharing in a microphoneto a similar
community of people »
Peopleproducingpodcastsdo not need to be celebrities or have a big budget.
Creating a podcastis easily accessible, as long as someoneis willing to learn
the basics and has something interesting to communicate to its audience.
The prosof creating a podcast
- Create content that they want, and innovatewith the content all the time
- There is moreliberty for time limits and topic limits
- Podcast creators are not subject to censorship or regulations by the state that
radio producershaveto work by
- Great way to build a community and engagewith people
- There is no radio schedule
- Anyonecan do it
DanaGerber-Margiealso said that “Many podcastsareabout cultivating and
sustainingsmall communitiesaround niches and interests”, so for the
producer of the podcast, is about creating something that he personally enjoys
and wants to talk about.
It is also possible to make money as a podcast producer asthe medium of
podcastis growing. A lot of podcast episodes are now sponsored by companies
who wantto promoteproducts. For them it is a great way to reach a niche
audience.
For example, Filler Podcast
Creative industriespodcasthosted and produced by Harry Hitchens and Matt
Shore.
Concept: Sit down and talk with creative peopleover coffee(photographer,
filmmaker, writer, etc.)
It’s a convivialvibe that can appealto peoplethat wantto pursueacareer in a
creative field. They have over 4000 subscriberson Soundcloud wheretheir
podcastis available.

4. The quality of the sound isimpeccable and the contentis alwaysinnovative.
This podcasthas a ‘recipe’ but sometimes podcastshave differentconcepts for
differentepisodes. Like oneconversation in an episodeand an interview in the
next one.
Another examplewould be ‘Pardon my Frenchby Garance Doré’
In this case it is an extension of a blog, so a new way to providecontentto the
readersof the blog ‘Garance Doré’.
This oneis differenteach weeks. Sometimes the host has candid conversations
with her friendsabouttopics like entertainingat home, stress, exercise, tattoos
and more. And sometimes she interviewspeoplethat she admireslike the
French designer Isabel Marant, the actress GwynethPaltrow, or peoplelike the
foundersof a publishinghouse.
This oneis a little bit differentin the way that Garance Dorépreviously had an
audiencebefore debutingher podcast. It was additionalcontent for her
readersand a new way of knowingher. It is also about topics that most people
can identify with.
GaranceDoréand other podcastproducers very honestly disclose that their
podcastare sponsored. Withthe reactions I have seen, the audienceof a
podcastseems to accept it better than when it is sponsored contenton
YouTubeor Instagram.
To answer my research question.
In a society dominated by visual content, podcasts are a new way of
communicatingwith people, to learn, create a feeling of intimacy, or to create
something new. It appealsto other senses than sight, so the listener can
visualize the context in which the podcasthas been recorded. Itfeels more
anonymous, butmoreintimate as well.