Auditory Evolution: Why news organisations are moving to podcasts

Two stories: one from a courtroom in Baltimore, another from a newsroom in London. Different continents, different decades, but connected by a revolutionary medium that’s transforming how we uncover truth: the investigative podcast. From The News Agents’ explosive media exposés to Serial’s impact on jury behaviour, audio journalism isn’t just changing the news – it’s changing outcomes.

These podcasts bring a vitality to journalism that previous mediums have failed to capture.

Dubbed ‘The Serial Effect’, named after the wildly popular podcast that followed the murder trial of Adnan Syed, the recent phenomenon of investigative podcasts has proven to be remarkably successful, with Serial alone attracting over 40 million listeners. This success raises the question: why have such podcasts garnered such popularity? Kat Albrecht, Assistant Professor of Criminology at Georgia State’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, claims to have the answer. “These podcasts say they are giving you a look behind the curtain at what happens in courts. So, by being heralded as investigatory journalism, they can actually influence cultural perceptions of criminal cases,” she explains. By providing real-life audio accounts of events, whether through subject interviews or court recordings, these podcasts bring a vitality to journalism that previous mediums have failed to capture.

Television news, in particular, has struggled to maintain its audience. With around 70 per cent of adults now viewing their news online, media platforms have increasingly shifted their focus to the digital space. However, the appetite for long-form storytelling hasn’t diminished – instead, many viewers have turned to podcasts as their preferred medium for in-depth reporting.

The flexible nature of podcasting has proved particularly beneficial for news organisations.

Speaking to LBC, journalist Lewis Goodall declared that podcasts were “the future of news”. He stated that “the possibility for podcasts to do that kind of really serious, nuanced, on-the-ground reporting is limitless, actually, and I think you’ll probably see other big news organisations turn to that, at least as a way of trying to interest younger audiences”. The flexible nature of podcasting has proved particularly beneficial for news organisations. The ability to record with a small microphone, rather than lugging around heavy camera equipment, has enabled more diverse and intimate content that would have been impractical for mainstream television. Marianne Sprigg demonstrated this perfectly in her work for the BBC, travelling across the country to record different individuals’ perspectives on conspiracy theories for her series ‘Marianne in Conspiracyland’.

This evolution in journalism hasn’t come without its challenges. As Professor Albrecht notes, “The lines of true crime are getting increasingly blurry. Is it entertainment? Or is it factual knowledge being delivered to the audience?” This question becomes particularly pertinent as podcasts continue to influence real-world outcomes, from jury decisions to policy changes.

The intimacy of audio, combined with the flexibility of digital distribution, has created a powerful new tool for truth-telling.

The commercial viability of podcasting has also sparked debate within traditional media circles. When challenged about reading advertisements on The News Agents, Goodall pragmatically responded, “How do you think this is getting paid for?” and compares the podcast to bookshops – “Waterstones is just a big paywall!”. This highlights the shifting attitudes towards funding quality journalism.

Looking ahead, the trajectory seems clear. Major news organisations are increasingly investing in podcast journalism, recognising its unique ability to engage younger audiences while maintaining the depth and rigour required for serious investigative reporting. The intimacy of audio, combined with the flexibility of digital distribution, has created a powerful new tool for truth-telling.

As we witness the continued decline of traditional television news and the rise of digital-first journalism, podcasting stands out not just as an alternative platform, but as the natural evolution of investigative reporting. In Goodall’s words, this is “prestige stuff” that represents “the future of news” – a future that’s already changing how stories are told and justice is served.