Since I was little, I have always found it theraputic to listen to the spoken word. Every night, I would fall asleep to my mom reading me a story. And when I became hooked on the Harry Potter series during middle school, I discovered the technology of podcasting. I listened to one particualar podcast, MuggleCast, religiously every sunday night. Although it never put me to sleep the way my mom’s story telling would, I would always feel engaged and relaxed as I listened to Ben Shoen and Andrew Sims discuss everything from theories to recent news. It was my favorite form of media.
By the time I entered college, my podcast addiction had grown. Now, I probably download 3-4 podcasts a day, ranging from MuggleCast, to Keith and the Girl’s comedy podcast, and my new favorite, NPR’s This American Life. I’ve been an avid fan of Ira Glass for many years, and This American Life is the perfect example of literary works becoming globalized through the advent of technology.
Take for example, Episode 109 “Notes on Camp.” This episode is known for being one of the most downloaded episode since the radio show (that since it’s birth has been converted into downloadable podcast form every sunday) started in 1998. The structure is such: reporters go out in search of a story on a particular subject. This week’s subject is stories about summer camp. They then interview people first hand about the subject, digging to find the real emotional connection of the subject, something interesting that listeners probably don’t know, and why all that matters. Then there comes the challege of making this story work with only the aid of the spoken word. The reporter must create a story out of the raw spoken materials that the listener will be able to affectively visualize and connect with. Oh, and all of this magic must fit into roughly one hour.
That alone is an art form.
Which is why I don’t understand how anyone could say that this form of podcasting ISN’T a credible literary resource. Just because actual READING with eyes isn’t taking place, doesn’t mean that the listener isn’t gaining as much insight as one would if the content were on paper. Similar to a book, a podcast must have form. It must have a beginning and an end. It also must recreate a scene for the reader. It takes effort and much writing in preparation.
On the other side, the “reader” of podcasts must also put in similar effort to get the full benefit from a podcast. Attention, just like in reading, is needed for listening.
