Lyle Topping, Features Writer<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stone Cold Steve Austin once said, \u201cWhat I love about podcasting is it\u2019s guerilla radio. I don\u2019t have to stick to anybody\u2019s protocol or format. I can operate my show just like I want to, but at the end of the day, it\u2019s just a can of audio whoopa**. My show is built to entertain.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a podcast for everyone, for every interest. They are a new wave of media. Just like TV was to radio, podcasting is to television. It is interesting how we are reverting back to being interested in essentially talk radio. Is there a real threat of podcasts making other forms of media obsolete? Why are podcasts so enticing to the younger demographic? With the help of Professor London and Professor Helmer, we get the answers to these questions and much more, as we explore the new frontier that is \u201cPodcasting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
James Helmer, the assistant professor broadcast television program at DSC, was asked \u201cWhy do you think young people tend to lean more to podcasts for entertainment?\u201d Professor Helmer responded, \u201cI think the \u2018take anywhere\/always on\u2019 nature of the cellphone is a major allure. It ties entertainment, information and personal communication into one, readily accessible media outlet with two-way communication.\u201d Professor Helmer is highlighting a key aspect, and that is accessibility. We are turning into a society that needs instant gratification, and podcasts can feed right into that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As far as the pros and cons that come with podcasts, Professor Helmer had this to say \u201cPositive: more voices to choose from. Niche interest. Availability on your schedule.\u201d He goes on, \u201cNegatives: loss of gatekeepers- content quality, veracity and suitability is diminished. Individuals are too focused\/engaged on the online content and not focusing their physical world. The individual seems to require (addicted to?) their \u2018media\u2019 hits and focusing strictly on their mediated contacts.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, Professor Helmer had a bit of a disclaimer, saying \u201cAll the above being said, these are the thoughts from a person from the Baby Boomers generation.\u201d Regardless of that insurance policy, Professor Helmer has a point. We need to start unplugging ourselves to start taking in the physical world that is around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aaron London, who is a journalism professor at DSC, was asked \u201cDo you feel that podcasts are taking away from other sources of media? Why?\u201d This was his response, \u201cI don\u2019t think \u2018taking away from other sources of media\u2019 is the right way to look at podcasts. They offer yet another alternative source for people seeking information or entertainment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given the rapid pace of technological development and the growing audience preference for more mobile-friendly platforms, it is not surprising that podcasting has gained popularity.\u201d It seems like all the signs are pointing back to \u201ceasily accessible.\u201d Could one make the observation that there is a rather diabolical link between \u201ceasily accessible\u201d and instant gratification? Quite possibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As far using podcasts for a primary source of media intake, Professor London had this to say, \u201cIf a podcast is credible \u2013 by using reliable sources, following ethical guidelines for reporting, etc. \u2013 then it certainly can be a good main source of media consumption.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor London warns us about the responsibility we must undertake as listeners, \u201c As with newspapers, digital news sites and other forms of informational media, podcast listeners have a responsibility to ensure the source is credible and trustworthy.\u201d
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Lyle Topping, Features Writer Stone Cold Steve Austin once said, \u201cWhat I love about podcasting is it\u2019s guerilla radio. I don\u2019t have to stick to anybody\u2019s protocol or format. I can operate my show just like I want to, but at the end of the day, it\u2019s just a can Continue reading This Isn’t About Joe Rogan<\/span>