Is Niche Podcasting Overthrowing Television?

Smaller Niche Media like Podcasts are Better than TV Shows. 
By Victoria Casillas

It is becoming more and more uncommon to hear someone say they watch cable television or listen to talk radio. But where are these people now getting their information on niche topics? Podcasts. 

Podcasting is fairly new to the media world, but it is quickly becoming a common source for individuals. Beginning as a way for professors to record their lectures in college, podcasts started taking off in the mainstream around 2011. Today there are podcasts about almost every topic. And Podcasts are especially convenient because they can be listened to wherever you are. It is a useful way to become educated on whatever interests you while on your commute to work or school. That is partially why podcasting is gaining listeners over talk radio and television.

Finding a podcast that emphasizes a specific genre or topic helps minimize the unwanted content that may come across broader media channels. The vast amount of information that is offered via the internet primes users to want only the information on the very specific topics in which they are interested. Additionally, streaming services like Hulu and Netflix offer their users a variety of shows and movies on demand, making it more convenient and affordable to invest in a membership with these platforms, as opposed to an overpriced cable service.  

 “It is important to be educated on podcasting so we [PR people] have more to offer,” said Justin Richmond, producer of the podcast “Broken Record” and a journalism professor at CSULB teaching podcasting and multimedia courses. 

Richmond was a guest speaker for a Journalism 470 course in September and spoke about the “come up” of podcasting and how it’s in its toddler stage of changing the marketing game. 
He further offered that being educated in podcasting will develop creativity in the field and bring further success. 

Not sure where to begin when trying to find a podcast?  Our CSULB Journalism Professor Justin Richmond can be heard on the “Revisionist History” podcast in the episode “In a Metal Mood.” This episode discusses cultural appropriation through the lenses of Pat Boone, Elvis Presley and Taco Bell. Check out their website at revisionhistory.com for more detailed information on what this podcast is about.

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