The recent surge in podcast popularity has been classified as the golden age of podcasting. The ease of accessing the internet has enabled podcasts to become a mainstream form of entertainment and information dissemination. But podcasts didn’t just pop up on the scene; In fact, podcasts have been around for over a decade. Podcasts became the big phenomenon they are now when Apple introduced podcasts to iTunes in 2005 and generated the name from the concatenation of iPod and broadcasting.
Just like radio, podcasts are mostly free, probably due to the fact that audio is relatively cheaper to capture as compared to video. Podcasts come in different themes; interviews, talk shows, and group discussions with the basic idea of creating a space for thoughts and opinions to be shared. By leveraging the power of podcasting, brands can build a genuine connection with their audience. The conversational nature of podcasts allows listeners to feel like they are part of a community, fostering loyalty and trust in the brand. By sharing valuable insights and discourse on trending topics, the credibility of a podcast can be established. This can lead to increased brand recognition and opportunities for collaborations or partnerships.
These days, however, it is difficult to find someone who hasn’t at one point thought about starting a podcast. Influencers, celebrities, journalists, and content creators, have all ventured into podcasting. With so many people trying to be heard, the freedom to voice opinions has become a contest for who has the most controversial viewpoint. Individuals feel compelled to weigh into discussions to offer their own perspectives and counter-narrative opinions. In an era where negative news seems to sell more, the need to offer a different narrative becomes even more urgent. Some people have taken the opportunity to come out with very insinuating takes that sometimes question their credibility and depth of knowledge. This growing trend has tainted the real purpose and outlook of podcasting.
The responsibility lies on podcast hosts, to conduct thorough research on the background and expertise of their guests before putting them on. Successful podcasts are those that foster open and respectful dialogue for all.
Written by Emmanuel Paapa Quaicoe.
