Podcasts like The Messenger, about refugees, and Listen To Love, about same-sex marriage, are bringing new voices to major issues. But as podcasts get political, it’s unclear whether they’ll be able to cut through complex debates.
No problem too big #1: Artificial intelligence and killer robots
The Conversation, CC BY-SA62 MB(download)
In this special Speaking With podcast episode, a panel of artists and researchers speculates on the end of the world due to artificial intelligence and killer robots, as though it has already happened.
The podcast S-Town has been both rapturously reviewed and described as ‘morally indefensible’ for its intrusion into the life of a mentally ill man. But it validates, rather than violates, a fierce, flawed life.
The University of Wollongong's Dr Siobhan McHugh (consulting producer on Fairfax's Phoebe's Fall podcast) speaks with Julie Snyder, Executive Producer of Serial, about making serial audio and the impact of podcasting.
The podcast has emerged as a promising medium for facilitating ongoing debate about issues that need more time than mainstream, profit-oriented media or the changing tides of hashtags might allow.
The mobile-first delivery of podcasts has created a powerful relationship between listeners and host that bypasses traditional broadcast gatekeepers. Could this format trigger new narrative genres and promote social engagement?
Dallas Rogers speaks with Rhonda Itaoui about her research into Islamophobia and navigating the city as a Muslim in the wake of public fear over terror attacks and a lack of understanding about Islam.