Is podcasting the successor to radio? The power of sound is being revived...

Experts note that with the expansion of the new media and communication landscape, the expectation of a visually-oriented world caused traditional media, as well as radio, to remain in the background. However, they say that with the development of the internet and new media channels, the power of sound is being revived in the world of podcasts. Stating that preparing a podcast is a low-cost form of broadcasting in technical terms, Dr. Denizcan Kabaş emphasized that a microphone, a sound-insulated environment, a computer, and a device connected to the internet are the basic requirements.

Dr. Denizcan Kabaş, a faculty member at Üsküdar University's Faculty of Communication, Department of Radio, Television and Cinema, provided insights into podcast broadcasting.

A VERY LOW-COST FORM OF BROADCASTING...

Dr. Denizcan Kabaş explained that with the expansion of the communicative field known as new media, there was an expectation of a more visually-oriented world, but with the development of the internet and new media channels, audio broadcasting has met with the podcast, a new genre built on the foundations of radio.

Stating that preparing a podcast is a low-cost form of broadcasting in technical terms, Dr. Denizcan Kabaş emphasized that a microphone, a sound-insulated environment, a computer, and a device connected to the internet are the basic requirements.

THE MAIN FOCUS SHOULD BE "WHAT TO TALK ABOUT"...

Noting that, as in every field of communication, more advanced equipment is used in podcasting to create a technical structure that can be called "high quality," Dr. Denizcan Kabaş said that the main issue to focus on is "what to talk about."

Stating that the question "Why podcasting?" actually questions the reason for choosing not to share content as text or visuals, Dr. Denizcan Kabaş expressed that at this point, purpose, target, production, and feedback are decisive, and that a purpose must be determined primarily when planning for podcast broadcasting.

THE PROCESS MAY BRING UNFORESEEN RESULTS

Dr. Denizcan Kabaş said, "Podcast broadcasters need to plan the process well in the first step. This process may bring unforeseen results. For example, broadcasts may reach very few of the target audience, or conversely, they may reach much larger and more diverse listener groups. Although these are asynchronously accessed contents, feedback will also be decisive at this stage. Questions that can be multiplied, such as 'Was the appropriate target audience reached? What are the characteristics of the target audience? Which elements are the listeners' feedback related to? Do the listeners have expectations from the broadcaster?', are seen as a process that needs to be worked on in addition to the creation of the broadcasts. Here, the planning to be done at the beginning will gain importance."

IS PODCASTING THE SUCCESSOR TO RADIO?

Stating that the content creation process carried out in podcast production is the same as the general template of the path followed in the mass communication process, Dr. Denizcan Kabaş continued as follows:

"Basically, what is done is the process of bringing the messages we want to convey to the right recipients using the most appropriate way. In traditional media, capital, labor, organizational structure, permits, and uninterrupted continuity are needed to do this. As digital technologies developed and the network structure of the internet expanded its field, the media structures we call 'new' began to take shape.

Especially when everyone gained the opportunity to join the internet network with devices that function as computers, we began to encounter features different from the traditional. Podcast also basically starts from the foundation of radio, but it enriches and differentiates itself in all these new technological and communicative dimensions. In this respect, it would not be sufficient to define the podcast as the successor to radio. The podcast is basically based on radio practice, but while doing so, it combines with the features of new media, and a new genre emerges. It is a type of broadcasting that continues to innovate, especially in terms of content types and meeting the target audience."

BROADCASTS NEED TO BE REGULAR

Dr. Denizcan Kabaş stated that it is very important to define the target audience while preparing podcast content and to recognize them correctly in the ongoing process, adding, "In this respect, some strategies for the target audience need to be determined. Regardless of the topic focused on, the broadcasts need to be regular. The regularity of content organized around specific topics and sub-themes is important for listeners to develop habits and to strengthen the bond between the broadcaster and the listener. As in all areas of new media, an interaction environment can be provided through podcast broadcasts."

IT IS IMPORTANT TO INTERACT WITH LISTENERS

Explaining the podcast content creation process, Dr. Denizcan Kabaş emphasized that determining the audience, creating the concept, planning the content, ensuring a regular broadcast flow, and interacting with the listener are important.

Also stating that interacting with listeners through social media channels will help establish a stronger bond, Dr. Denizcan Kabaş said, "A well-planned podcast broadcast creates a bridge between the listeners and the broadcaster. It is important that many communicative and cultural exchanges can be made through podcast content, both in new media environments and in daily life."

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RADIO AND PODCAST

Stating that there are some differences between radio, a traditional media tool, and podcast listeners, Dr. Denizcan Kabaş provided the following information: "Radio generally covers various content types such as live broadcasts, music, news, and talk shows. Except for thematic channels, a broadcasting approach that focuses on more general topics and appeals to a wide 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 contain in-depth analysis and conversations on a specific topic. Radio listeners must be present at a specific time of a specific broadcast, so they have a less flexible schedule. Podcast listeners, however, can listen to content whenever they want, which offers a flexible listening experience."