Podcasting is a medium that I have always found to be incredibly intriguing. The idea that people would be willing to listen to hours upon hours of just audio seemed very unlikely to me for a very long time.
For years the idea of radio as a medium being dead has been echoed throughout the media. The very format of radio was seen as too outdated, because nobody would be willing to just sit and listen to anything anymore when they can just watch something instead.
However, if radio was dying because nobody would be interested in listening to hours and hours of audio content; why has podcasting managed to become such a popular and successful industry?
It is undoubtedly the case, that in many countries around the world radio is not what it once was. Especially in more developed countries where consumers have access to many different forms of media. However, that has not mean that audio productions as a whole have been cut off completely by consumers.
Clearly there is an enormous amount of value that can be gained from listening to audio productions. There is a lot of good content that can be produced through the audio medium that cannot be easily translated into video.
Podcasting Industry’s enormous growth.
The Podcast medium has grown into the behemoth it is today. According to Statista, podcasting in the United States has grown from 2006 where only around 22% of Americans tuned into podcasts, to today where almost 80% of Americans listen to podcasts.
Podcasters themselves have managed to gain a large amount of followers as a result. The success of people such as Joe Rogan, Ben Shapiro, and the Pod Save America crew are examples of that. These are people who have managed to create thriving businesses from podcasting.
So much so it has become common for nearly all media companies to have a podcast of some sort. Even major celebrities have sought to tap into the podcasting market as well, such as Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Meghan Markel, etc.
Democratised the media landscape
One of the best things about podcasts is that they have managed to democratise the media landscape due to its relatively low barrier to entry. Anyone can get involved in podcasting, whether you’re a celebrity, media organisation or just a normal person who feels they have a topic you’re passionate about and are willing to put in the work to produce content around it.
Although, that low barrier to entry had almost meant that there have been many incendiary characters who have crept into the space. Exemplified by the rise of alpha male podcasters; who only seek to broadcast their misogynistic opinions and scam naive men into subscribing to their scam alpha male courses and boot camp programmes. Though, they only manage to inhabit a niche market within the broader industry.
Why I started Africa PolitiCast
I have long enjoyed the podcasting medium, and have always envisioned myself at one point or the other, being involved in this burgeoning industry as well.
I genuinely believe that African media has the potential to drive positive change in the continent by holding those in power accountable. A major way we would be able to do that is by effectively communicating issues around African politics in an articulate manner, in which the public would be able understand and be better informed about political matters.
I hope that with Africa PolitiCast, I will be able to provide my input into that process as well.
‘Africa PolitiCast’ is an African podcast where we delve into the intricate world of African politics. Join us as we explore the diverse political landscapes across the continent, from the bustling cities to the remote corners of Africa. Hosted by Etietop Akpabio, founder of The Sahel Post, Africa PolitiCast offers insightful analysis, engaging interviews, and thought-provoking discussions on the pressing issues shaping the future of Africa. Please do us a favour and subscibe to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
