storytelling
Podcasting Issue 5
from the editor
HELLO THERE, READER! As technology continues to change the way people tell stories, one form of storytelling that has gotten increasingly popular in recent years is podcasting. There are numerous formats of podcasting and people cover various topics through podcasting as well. There's truly something for everybody in the podcasting space. In this issue we'll explore how podcasting has become a great new tool for storytellers.
YOURS TRULY, Carol Wright EDITOR IN CHIEF @_CAROL_WRIGHT
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Podcasting x Storytelling Writing by Carol WrightÂ
Since we live in a world where people are always on the go, the content people consume needs to be able to adapt to any situation. Podcasts have become one form of content that can be listened to anywhere at any time, while people drive, while people walk, while people sit at work and while people relax at home. It's a form of media that is adaptable to multiple situations and since people have an appetite for content its popularity probably won't diminish anytime soon. Another reason that podcasting has managed to take off is because of the different formats, there are seven different podcast formats ranging from interview to hybrid. Each of these can cater to a different audience, especially because each format of podcasts has hundreds of topics covered. My favorite podcasts are Off Camera with Sam Jones, Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist, Lessons From the Screenplay and Song Exploder. When I create my podcast for class I'm leaning towards interview style because that's what I enjoy the most. Although, I did enjoy the podcast Blackout ft. Rami Malek, it was basically a TV show that I could listen to at any time and I am interested in seeing that format explored more. One article I read focused on the seven reasons that podcasting is dominating the media landscape. Two points that the author brought up, interested me. The author said: podcasts are intimate and podcasts build community. I haven't taken time to think about the intimacy of podcasts necessarily but that point does ring true, the author shares that podcasts allow for the listener to understand celebrities and high-profile guests. I agreed with this because my two favorite podcasts Off Camera with Sam Jones and Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend give that intimate look into a celebrity's life but not in a fake way. I love how Sam Jones does a deep dive so that listeners can understand someone's creative process and how they got there. When it comes to Conan O'Brien's podcast it gives that intimacy but it also makes me laugh and as someone who is a bit of a comedy nerd and loves learning more about that side of the entertainment industry - it checks off a lot of boxes. The second point that podcasts builds community is not something I have given much thought to but it also rings true. One thing I often find myself doing is looking at the review section of podcasts and also finding the social media accounts for the podcasts etc. It excites me to know other people listen to those podcasts and love them like I do. The writer of the article brought up the point that podcasts have built a loyal following that allows for them to create merchandise, create FB groups, social media accounts and go on tours amongst other things. Podcasts have created a space for storytelling to thrive while also creating a community. Another article I read focused on 7 reasons a freelance journalist should start a podcast. A couple of points that struck me were: podcasting gets you heard above the crowd and your podcast positions you as an expert. Concerning the first point, the author notes that while podcasts are popular most journalists have not tried to make one so freelancers will gain attention. Since people are looking for different types of podcasts and if there are not many journalists you could be filling a gap. The second point is saying that as other journalists start writing stories about podcasting they can look to you as an expert source and someone to speak on the subject. This brings credibility to your podcast and will be able to connect you with people in your industry. Podcasting is sure to continue it's rise and I'm excited to see how it changes over time and the different types of stories that will be told. 2
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Applying These Tactics in Real Life Writing by Carol WrightÂ
How I as a budding journalist can use podcasting to tell stories: Hone in my interview skills because you have more time to speak with your subject. IÂ can do a deep dive into a subject I like and become an "expert" or someone who can speak on that topic. There's freedom in podcasting because there are so many formats and I have the opportunity to be creative within those formats.
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