Podcast Journalism: The Promise and Perils of Audio Reporting

Podcasting has become a rapidly growing digital genre, offering immersive storytelling and reaching previously underserved communities. However, it has raised concerns about disinformation, sponsors' influence, dominance of publishers and platforms, and questionable adherence to journalistic principles. David O. Dowling's book examines how podcasting is transforming reporting and reshaping journalism, highlighting its influential achievements and ethical and journalistic shortcomings. It also discusses the blurring of boundaries between news and entertainment, editorial and advertising, and neutrality and subjectivity, which has allowed podcasting to bypass traditional categories and provide openings for marginalized voices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 19 March 2024
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The meteoric rise of podcasting has sparked a revolutionary shift in audio reporting, offering immersive storytelling for a captivated binge-listening audience while also reaching previously underrepresented communities. As a rapidly growing digital genre, podcasts have become a lifeline for a struggling news industry, buoying its fortunes. However, this newfound popularity has also raised concerns about the potential for disinformation, the influence of sponsors on content, the dominance of a few publishers and platforms, and at times, questionable adherence to journalistic principles.

In his insightful book, "The Power of Podcasting: Transforming Reporting and Reshaping Journalism," David O. Dowling delves deep into the transformative impact of podcasting on reporting and journalism as a whole. He explores podcasting's most influential achievements and its most consequential ethical and journalistic shortcomings, emphasizing the reciprocal influences between podcasting and traditional and digital journalism.

One of the most significant achievements of podcasting is its ability to blur the boundaries between news and entertainment, editorial and advertising, and neutrality and subjectivity. This blurring has allowed podcasting to bypass the limitations of traditional categories, expand the space of social and political discourse, and provide opportunities for marginalized voices to be heard. It has also enabled corporations to extend their reach and far-right firebrands to increase their influence.

However, this blurring of boundaries has also brought with it challenges. Podcasts can be vulnerable to the influence of sponsors, who may pressure hosts to promote certain products or ideologies. This can lead to a dilution of journalistic standards and a loss of independence. Additionally, the dominance of a few publishers and platforms can limit the diversity of voices and perspectives available to listeners.

Despite these concerns, podcasting remains a powerful tool for journalism. It allows reporters to tell compelling stories in a more intimate and personal way, connecting with listeners on a deeper level. Podcasts also provide a platform for underrepresented communities to share their experiences and perspectives, challenging dominant narratives and promoting greater understanding and empathy.

In conclusion, the rise of podcasting has inspired a new breed of audio reporting, offering immersive storytelling for a binge-listening audience while also reaching previously underserved communities. While podcasting has brought about significant benefits, it has also raised concerns about the potential for disinformation, the influence of sponsors on content, the dominance of a few publishers and platforms, and at times, questionable adherence to journalistic principles. By critically examining these issues, Dowling's book provides valuable insights into the transformative power of podcasting and its potential to shape the future of journalism.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231213301