Experts state that with the expansion of new media and communication, the expectation of a visually-dominated world caused traditional media, as well as radio, to fall into the background. However, they say that with the development of the internet and new media channels, the power of sound is reviving in the world of podcasts. Dr. Lecturer Denizcan Kabaş stated that preparing a podcast is a technically low-cost form of publishing, emphasizing that a microphone, a sound-insulated environment, a computer, and an internet-connected device are basic necessities.
Dr. Lecturer Denizcan Kabaş from Uskudar University's Faculty of Communication, Radio, Television and Cinema Department, provided information about podcast publishing.
A very low-cost form of publishing…
Dr. Lecturer Denizcan Kabaş stated that with the expansion of the communication field, referred to as new media, there was an expectation of a more visually-oriented world. However, he explained that with the development of the internet and new media channels, audio broadcasting met with podcast, a new genre built on the foundations of radio.
Dr. Lecturer Denizcan Kabaş stated that preparing a podcast is a technically low-cost form of publishing, emphasizing that a microphone, a sound-insulated environment, a computer, and an internet-connected device are basic necessities.
The main focus should be 'what to talk about'…
Dr. Lecturer Denizcan Kabaş noted that in podcast publishing, as in all areas of communication, more advanced equipment is used to create a technical structure that can be called “high-quality.” However, he said that the main topic to focus on is 'what to talk about'.
Dr. Lecturer Denizcan Kabaş also stated that the question 'Why podcast publishing?' actually questions the reason for preferring not to share content as text or visuals. At this point, he expressed that purpose, target, production, and feedback are decisive, and the purpose should be determined first when planning for podcast publishing.
The process can bring unforeseen results
Dr. Lecturer Denizcan Kabaş said, “Podcast publishers need to plan the process well in the first step. This process can also bring unforeseen results. For example, broadcasts may reach very few of the target audience, or conversely, they may reach much wider and more diverse listener groups. Although the content is accessed asynchronously, feedback will also be decisive at this stage. Questions that can be multiplied, such as ‘Has the appropriate target audience been reached? What are the characteristics of the target audience? What elements are the listeners' feedbacks related to? Do listeners have expectations from the publisher?’, are seen as a process that needs to be worked on in addition to creating the broadcasts. Here, initial planning will gain importance.”
Is podcast a continuation of radio?
Dr. Lecturer Denizcan Kabaş also stated that the content creation process carried out in podcast productions is the same as the general template of the path followed in the mass communication process, and continued:
“Basically, what is done is the process of delivering the messages we want to convey to the right recipients using the most appropriate way. In traditional media, doing this requires capital, labor, organizational structure, permissions, and uninterrupted continuity. As digital technologies developed and the internet’s network structure expanded, media structures we call ‘new’ began to take shape.
Especially when everyone had the opportunity to join the internet network with devices functioning as computers, we started to encounter features different from the traditional. Podcast actually stems from the fundamentals of radio but enriches and differentiates itself in all these new technological and communicative dimensions. From this perspective, defining podcast as a continuation of radio will not be sufficient. Podcast is fundamentally based on radio practice, but it combines with the features of new media while doing so, resulting in a new genre. It is a type of broadcasting whose novelty continues, especially in terms of content types and the meeting of the target audience.”
Broadcasts need to be regular
Dr. Lecturer Denizcan Kabaş stated that defining the target audience and correctly identifying them in the later stages is very important when preparing podcast content. He added, “From this perspective, some strategies for the target audience need to be determined. Regardless of the topic, broadcasts need to be regular. The regularity of content organized around specific topics and sub-themes is important for listeners to form habits and for the bond between publisher and listener to be strengthened. As in all areas of new media, an interactive environment can also be provided through podcast broadcasts.”
Interacting with listeners through social media channels is important
Explaining the podcast content creation process, Dr. Lecturer Denizcan Kabaş emphasized the importance of defining the listener base, creating the concept, planning content, ensuring a regular broadcast flow, and interacting with listeners.
Dr. Lecturer Denizcan Kabaş also stated that interacting with listeners through social media channels would help establish a stronger bond, adding, “A well-planned podcast broadcast creates a bridge between listeners and the publisher. It is important that many communicative and cultural shares can be made through podcast content, both in new media environments and in daily life.”
Radio versus podcast differences
Dr. Lecturer Denizcan Kabaş also pointed out that there are some differences between radio and podcast listeners, saying, “Radio typically covers various content types such as live broadcasts, music, news, and talk shows. Apart from thematic channels, a broadcasting approach focusing on more general topics and appealing to a broad audience prevails. Podcast users, on the other hand, usually listen to pre-recorded content. Broadcasts consist of content focused on more specific topics. Podcasts can include in-depth analysis and discussions on a particular subject. Radio listeners must be present at a specific time for a particular broadcast, thus having less flexible schedules. Podcast listeners, however, can listen to content whenever they want, offering a flexible listening experience.”