News podcasts offer a deep, intimate exploration of topics that are overlooked in the mainstream media. By creating a personal connection between host and listener, they cultivate a more engaged audience who understands complex issues from multiple angles. This, in turn, enriches the narrative style of news reporting.
While news podcasts make up a small proportion of overall podcast consumption in most markets, their impact is significant. Across our interviewees in the US, UK, and Norway, we found that regular news podcast listeners are highly interested in news (71% of them say they are extremely or very interested in news, compared to 45% of non-podcast listeners). They also have a high willingness to pay for news-related podcasts (46% in the US and 39% in the UK).
As the world’s most popular podcast, Serial offers a no-holds-barred discussion on current political and social issues from a liberal standpoint. The show’s candid discussions and interviews with politicians, celebrities, and other influencers appeal to a broad audience looking for an inside look into the American government and culture.
Produced by The New York Times, Up First delivers a concise, informative recap of the day’s top three news stories in an easy-to-understand format. The podcast’s expert analysis and storytelling approach makes it a key source of world news for many busy commuters.