News podcasts are a valuable addition to the media landscape, attracting younger and more engaged audiences. They also reshape how people discover and consume news content, redefining the traditional model of gathering around the television at a set time.
Whether you prefer to stay informed with short daily updates, or in-depth analysis of the week’s top stories, there’s a news podcast for every taste. The Globalist from Monocle magazine covers international news, while the BBC World Service’s Health Check delves into global healthcare issues and medical breakthroughs. And if you’re tired of scrolling through your news feed swarmed with apocalyptic headlines, the comedy show Spolitics will brighten your day with a healthy dose of skepticism and humour.
While news podcasts are not the most popular format for audio consumption, they can be a powerful tool for publishers looking to engage with audiences and drive traffic to their websites and apps. However, the success of a news podcast depends on a number of key factors, including a compelling format, regular releases, and quality production.
The most common structure for news-focused podcasts is commentary, which feature a host(s) giving their opinion on current events. This genre accounts for 22% of the most-cited news podcasts, while deep reporting and interviews account for 16% and 10% respectively. The most successful podcasts are also able to monetize effectively by engaging their audience through direct donations and merchandise sales, as well as integrating their content into their news app.