Podcast vs Paper

Although many people may prefer listening to their news rather than reading it, I have always been on the side which favours physical media. However, the consumption rates of not just tangible media but even of televised news are dropping, as more people turn to both national and student podcasts for their news. 

In 2024 only 11% of 18-24 year-olds claimed they used print news, and only 32% claimed they used TV news.  

Although the rise of podcasts is undoubtedly contributing to the fall in the rates of consumption for other types of news, these podcasts are appealing to a demographic of people who might not have had the time to keep up to date with the news through physical or televised media. 

Between 2015 and 2024, the proportion of people between the ages of 18-24 consuming online news weekly fell by 13 percentage points. In the over 55s category, this decline only reached minus 5 percentage points. However, this has not been countered by a rise in print or television news rates. Indeed, in 2024 only 11% of 18-24 year-olds claimed they used print news, and only 32% claimed they used TV news.  

Podcasts inform this (often younger) demographic in a more easily digestible, and perhaps more recognisable format. The inherently on-the-go nature of podcasts allows you to pick it up straight where you left off and to multitask, saving time. In such a fast-paced society, they allow people to multitask, whether this be in the form of listening to a podcast whilst at the gym or shopping. 

Podcasts may be more appealing since they are targeted toward a specific audience, something which print often does not offer.

For example, the BBC offers the top stories in podcast format twice a day on weekdays and daily on the weekends. Another example is CNN’s 5 Things, advertised to listeners as providing five stories at five different points in the day, to keep people informed. These six-minute snippets highlight the focus on making news easier and more accessible, fitting around busy lives.  

Many major news platforms and companies, such as The New York Times, also do the same or similar, having been forced to adapt to this new form of news consumption. Otherwise, the consequences of ignoring these new developments would likely involve ratings plummeting and consumers turning to other, more modernised networks and companies.  

As the way we consume news is changing, it is important to make it more accessible and engaging, to ensure people do not fall out of touch with important issues. 

Podcasts may be more appealing since they are targeted toward a specific audience, something which print often does not offer. However, this runs the risk of replacing the more traditionally mainstream news source people turn to. These may not keep people as wholly and impartially informed as hoped for anyway, as some news outlets may still face issues regarding media bias. 

Nevertheless, consumers should still tread with caution when listening to news rather than reading it, since the way it is read could influence the reader. This drawback is more likely from independent podcast news hosts rather than the conglomerates who people have relied on for news for years. 

I have to remind you that we are not exempt from this need to adapt to more modern forms of journalism, with The Boar’s new Hogging the Mic podcast which has just recently launched! 

As the way we consume news is changing, it is important to make it more accessible and engaging, to ensure people do not fall out of touch with important issues. 

With student podcasts becoming more popular, it is evident that the role that podcasts play in student journalism, as well as national media, will continue to grow.  

On that note, I have to remind you that we are not exempt from this need to adapt to more modern forms of journalism, with The Boar’s new Hogging the Mic podcast which has just recently launched!