Seventeenth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

Podcasting is the broadcasting of a series of digital media products through the medium of internet on transportable devices. Audio or visual files which are downloaded this way are called podcasts. Generally, most podcasts make their way to the audience as audio files. There are numerous podcasts produced on topics such as politics, hobbies, entertainment, culture, and technology. Due to the nature of their content, podcasts are beyond being just audio files. In the cycle of production and consumption podcasts provide an infinite variety. From the perspective of the listener, the ability to listen to the podcasts multiple times whenever desired, and the independence from visual content make podcasts very advantageous. Radio however, is an instantaneous medium. Podcasts, due to their nature revolving around encouragement of audience participation and feedback, are able to nurture a deeper and a much more sincere relationship between the content creator and the consumer. Radio, who is seen as the most audience friendly communication tool, has evolved into podcasting with digitalization. The aural component of the digital culture, which is formed upon audio and visuals, is now being led by podcasts. Podcasts which are only an extension of digital culture and feed upon the radio culture are the main are of this research. This research creates a vision for the future by examining podcasts on topics such as intimacy, narrative, audience, and content.