Firstly, what is a podcast?
The easiest way to describe this would be to call it an on-demand, super-relevant audio recording made for a niche audience that can be downloaded to, and accessed from your smartphone.
Is a podcast a radio show?
No! – The biggest difference between radio and podcast is the fact that podcasts are created specifically for a niche listener. A podcast’s audience will always be smaller than a commercial radio shows audience, but the audience is engaged in the content made evident by the fact that they searched for, found and subscribed to receive it.
Who listens to podcasts?
Not enough people, but a survey in 2018 reported that podcast consumption has grown by 50% in the 12 months October 2017 – October 2018 and represents the fastest growing sector of media consumption in South Africa. In America, it was reported in 2018, that 26% of Americans listen to podcasts monthly – that is 73 million people. It is a growing medium and as data prices drop and education on podcasting increases, it will, without doubt, become a major player in the media industry in South African in the next few years.
What topics are covered in podcasts?
The beauty of podcasts is that absolutely anyone can record them. This means that there is probably a podcast for any niche, hobby or interest available. From Fly fishing to toenail fungus; true crime stories to goats and donkeys – it’s all there, and if it’s not – you can create it!
Is there a specific format to a podcast?
The most popular format of podcasting is a typical interview show – usually one or two hosts and a guest.
Some podcasts are more of a monologue, but this format only lends itself well to certain subject matters.
Other formats include storytelling (fiction and non-fiction), conversational (two or three co-hosts) and panel discussions.
