The Rise of Podcasts: Quality or just controversy?

When scrolling, have you ever come across the repeated video scenario where there’s a square sofa, a microphone, and a bunch of podcasters who feel that the only qualifications they need to justify their podcast are a catchy logo and a camera.

For the past few years, podcasting has risen in popularity, making it one of the most loved and digested forms of media. The accessibility of platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube has opened the floodgates for anyone with an opinion and a microphone to decide to share their views and values on pop culture and societal hot topics.

But with this rise in popularity comes a saturation of content, some valuable, some very questionable, and some that simply leave audiences wondering: does everyone need a podcast? And with the question of a podcast licence being brought to my attention; although satirical, is a podcast licence actually a good idea?

Podcasts have been game-changers for independent creators, experts, and communities seeking representation where important conversations are lacking in society. Yet, the explosion of content has also given rise to a specific breed of podcasters: those who prioritise virality over value.

The format is often predictable, relying on controversial statements, out-of-context clips, and broad comments on societal issues that frequently teeter on the edge of being cancelled.

Compared to other sources of media, expert opinion and reliable sources are not a priority. Instead, the sole goal is to go viral, spark debates, and rack up views from shocked listeners.

Of course, not all podcasters are in it purely for clicks. Some genuinely seek to contribute meaningful discourse or provide entertainment, and there are countless individuals and genres that produce high-quality, engaging content. However, the overabundance of low-effort podcasts has sparked discussions about quality over quantity in the podcasting space.

Audiences have a history of popularising tacky content, evident in reality TV, pop culture, and the celebrity industry. This makes podcasting the perfect space for viral, unfiltered content, as there are no barriers preventing anyone from picking up a mic and introducing themselves. Ultimately, it’s up to us as listeners to decide whether to silence these voices by disengaging or to continue clicking, liking, and sharing, spreading these conversations further than needed.

Edited by: Eleanor Robinson