Podcasts for podcasters
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Some of our top recommendations for accessing resources through podcasts.
Podcasts are booming. According to Podcast Insights, the percentage of Australians who had listened to a podcast in the last month jumped from 22% in 2019 to 33% in 2020.
People are listening to podcasts predominantly from smart phones, at home, in their cars and while living active lifestyles. Promotion through social media has also pushed their popularity, making podcasting one of the most engaging forms of news media.
Most news organisations are now offering podcasts, with even more journalists and industry experts hosting and creating informative episodes on skills and experiences. There’s also a growing number of podcasts about podcasting. Many of these are regularly updated, and form a large pool of easily accessible resources for new journalists.
Our top recommendations for people interesting in developing their podcasting skills
A weekly podcast on the changing landscape of digital media by producers by Michael O’Connell and Nicole Ogrysko. O’Connell, a journalist with 35 years experience currently teaching podcasting at the American University School of Communication, interviews working journalists on topics such as reporting on injustice, harm reduction and statistics.
Using the same combination of academics, journalists and experts that has made The Conversation a staple for many, Media Files discuss current ideas and issues facing the changing media industry. With regular guests and alternating hosts, and a length of roughly 30 minutes per episode, Media Files is a quick and necessary listen for those looking for informed discussion on current topics.
Produced by The Citizen from the University of Melbourne, Louisa Lim hosts this podcast on the production of audio journalism. Regularly engaging with working journalists, current trends, recent events and deep dives with prominent experts forms much of the engaging discussion. Updated regularly, and easily consumed, this is one of our top picks for those looking to enhance their basic knowledge on producing audio journalism.
Self-described as “essential listening for the broadcast production, journalism and technology communities”, the BBC Academy Podcast has several downloadable episodes primarily focused on audio journalism skills and discussions. With just 11 episodes, the podcast series is a short and easy option for beginners in broadcast production.
Freelancing for journalists is a multiplatform website providing advice for freelance journalists and writers. The site’s podcast includes interviews with award-winning journalists on topics that range widely from imposter syndrome to fair pay and getting started in the industry. Lively hosts make this how-to guide to freelancing an engaging and informative listen.
Although not directly related to journalism skills, this podcast explores the use of social media to build a brand and a business. With top-marketing expert hosts and interviews, the show discusses trends, analytics, using data and staying on top of an ever-changing industry. A must-listen for those wanting to grow their brand and social media presence.
Produced by the Columbia Journalism Review, The Kicker is released weekly and aims to “encourage excellence in journalism in the service of a free society”. Although US-based and thus focused, the discussion between editor-in-chief Kyle Pope and prominent journalists on relevant topics provides insight and perspective.
A 300+ episode podcast hosted by the editorial team at journalism.co.uk, pairing up with renowned journalists from institutions such as the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists to provide informative and up to date commentary on the digital media industry. With each episode focusing on new guests and interviewees, the podcast is a great recommendation for curious minds looking to learn more about the “behind the scenes” of the industry.
An engaging podcast focusing on an “investigative scoop” per episode, The Tip Off is a must-listen to those interested in the realities of investigative journalism. Real journalists discuss ways they navigate tip-offs and dead ends. There are 47 episodes are currently available.
