Episode 35: Power and Pleasure of Podcasting (part four): Public radio and distributing content, where are we and where are we going?

In this episode we are joined by Kerri Hoffman, CEO, and John Barth, Chief Content Editor of PRX. This is our fourth and last episode on the Power and Pleasure of Podcasting.

We begin by discussing the history of podcasting and public radio, and how it has always been a venture of affecting lives and not money-making. Yet, what makes podcasting special? Listeners often speak about authenticity of the maker, speaker or host as the main distinctive factor, but we are far from knowing more specifics. There is also the ability to connect with a few, yet more interested and dedicated, niche listeners. Even what is considered “good” content differs, from more raw, authentic productions to professionally put-together shows. Its main allure, however, continues to be its ability to be open and participatory. Nonetheless, we wonder, will it join the internet and other original participatory mediums which in spite of being open, are still dominated by a few, big, key players? How do we continue encouraging people to create and share podcasts when they are not so easily distributed? Will search engines such as Google, who are not in the game yet, play a significant role on who can find and access podcasts?

Here are some more of the things mentioned in this episode, for those who want to dig a little deeper:

PRX
Jake Shapiro – former CEO and co-founder of PRX
Reveal – PRX’s investigative show
Radiotopia
Podcast Garage
Online Classes/Videos
Project with Google

American Public Media / Whose Democracy is it?

History of Warner Bros / Rin-tin-tin

Moth Radio Hour

Kerri’s Medium Essay, Reflecting on the First 100 Days of the PRI & PRX Merger

More on the impact of Egyptian Media

More Podcasts mentioned in the episode:
Serial
Criminal
99% Invisible
Ear Hustle
Harry Potter Fan Podcasts
MarketPlace
The Well

Susan Crawford

Ira Glass on Jimmy Fallon

The First Podcast (2003)

Is self-publishing in the book industry analogous to podcasting?