The Podcast: Traditional or Innovative Media

Podcasts are nothing new. They have been around for a while now and have always been seen as Radio’s attempt at dipping it’s toe into the water of the digital age. Only recently, with the global uptake of WBEZ Chicago’s podcast, Serial, have we seen podcasts offer widespread popularity. Serial is presented, as you might expect, in episodes similar to Charles Dickens’ serial publishing model; whereby one story unfolds in weekly instalments. In an age of binge TV viewing (We’ve all done a 24 marathon at some point in our lives) is Serial a throwback to times gone by? Conversely, is Serial a modern phenomenon, where people can listen to immersive content on the go, in their own time and all for free?

A question that comes out of the above considerations: is why has Serial, in particular, seen such widespread uptake? The answer to this helps one deduce whether the Podcast is ultra-traditional or a modern media phenomenon. The brilliance of Serial is the fact that it is a true crime story that seems to be unfolding in real time. The story centres around a classic whodunit, where a jilted lover is accused of murdering his girlfriend. Each episode deals with a different side of the case. The narrator, Sarah, doesn’t take a partisan view of proceedings. She presents a balanced case for both sides with some really considered insight. The beauty of a podcast (when done well) is that you can be travelling, making breakfast or doing any other mindless activities whilst be fully engaged in an unfolding drama. In an age where convenience and portability is king, a podcast offers you ultimate flexibility. The podcast is neither traditional nor modern; it is the best of both worlds.

You can listen to the first episode here

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