- The new medium of communication has emerged as a transformative force in media, often challenging mainstream outlets and reshaping how information is consumed, particularly in the realms of politics and geopolitics.
- Unlike mainstream media, which is often constrained by corporate ownership and established formats, podcasts offer a wide range of voices and viewpoints, including independent journalists, academics, and alternative thinkers.
- Mainstream media has faced declining trust in recent years, partly due to perceived bias or corporate influence.
- Podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience are redefining media landscapes, offering an alternative to the sound-bite-driven approach of traditional outlets.
As the elections in the United States come to an end, the mainstream media is now standing accused of hyperbole, fear-mongering, and labelling and is now faced with an extensional crisis on which they blame the ongoing political and social dynamics News organizations today operate in a hyper-competitive media environment, especially with the rise of digital platforms. Sensationalism and dramatic language are often used to capture the audience’s attention and drive engagement.
The politicians who lean right accuse the left media of not being fair and at the same time, political parties that claim to be liberal accuse any news network of being fascist just because they disagree with them. And in this confusion, we now see the rise of “Podcasts”. This new medium of communication has emerged as a transformative force in media, often challenging mainstream outlets and reshaping how information is consumed, particularly in the realms of politics and geopolitics.
At present there is no one better than Joe Rogan who hosts the most influential podcast in the world right now. He has no training as a journalist nor is he an academic, yet his podcast draws millions of views and it cannot be ruled out that he was perhaps the most powerful endorsement of Donald Trump who now will be the Forty-Seventh President of the United States of America.
Influence and Reach of Podcasts
"The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow." — Bill Gates
Podcasts are easily accessible on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. They provide content that listeners can engage with during commutes, workouts, or leisure time, often surpassing traditional media in engagement metrics. The podcasts in most cases are normal, long format, reasonable, rational conversations.
Unlike mainstream media, which is often constrained by corporate ownership and established formats, podcasts offer a wide range of voices and viewpoints, including independent journalists, academics, and alternative thinkers. This democratizes content production and gives a voice to marginalized or non-mainstream opinions.
Mainstream media often provides quick, sound-bite-oriented content due to time constraints. In contrast, podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience allow for long-form, in-depth conversations, offering a comprehensive exploration of complex issues. This format appeals to listeners who want nuanced discussions rather than oversimplified narratives. His podcasts are from downright comedic to conspiratorial and at the same time discuss topics that generally are not part of anyone’s daily conversation.
In this day and age, anyone can become a podcaster and in many ways, it has democratized the dissemination of news. Fast internet, computer software that allows anyone with rudimentary knowledge can create graphics and it is no longer an expensive production.
Joe Rogan’s Influence
“Podcasting is a way of having a voice and an influence in people’s lives on a daily basis.” — Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan is one of the most influential podcast hosts, with millions of listeners per episode. His platform has become a space where guests from across the political and ideological spectrum can engage in extended discussions. He is loved and hated by many as he is seen as a polarizing influence.
But somewhere the mainstream media lost its trick and now podcasts are breaking the mold of mainstream echo chambers and featuring guests who are often excluded from traditional platforms. His interviews, particularly with political figures and controversial personalities, often spark significant public and media debate.
His interview with Donald Trump was almost three hours long during which the conversations took many twists and turns giving the candidate a human moment. The sheer reach of his podcast means that these themes can influence public discourse, particularly among younger audiences who may be disillusioned with traditional media.
Impact on Political and Geopolitical Narratives
Mainstream media has faced declining trust in recent years, partly due to perceived bias or corporate influence. Podcasts have captured this shift by positioning themselves as platforms that embrace openness and scepticism. Hosts like Rogan often question official narratives, which can resonate with audiences seeking alternative viewpoints, but this also comes with the risk of spreading unverified information—a case in point, is the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War and the conflict in the Middle East.
Political and cultural influencers who may have yet to have a significant presence in traditional media find a substantial platform in podcasts. Figures from both left and right ideologies are leveraging podcast appearances to build followings and shape public opinion. Podcasts appeal to a demographic that often consumes information differently from older generations. This engagement could shape future voting patterns and societal attitudes toward governance, global issues, and media literacy.
As podcasts grow, independent commentators might gain more authority in public debates, potentially even influencing policy or international perception. This could decentralize geopolitical analysis and challenge mainstream geopolitical think tanks and news agencies. Advancements in technology and artificial intelligence could integrate with podcasting, creating more personalized and adaptive content. Moreover, AI might become a tool for analyzing podcast discourse, shaping narratives in real-time, and even moderating or debunking discussions in new ways.
Podcasts discussing sensitive geopolitical issues could play a role in shaping perceptions about international conflicts, alliances, and global power dynamics. The uncensored nature of many podcast platforms allows hosts and guests to express raw, sometimes provocative opinions, which can influence geopolitical narratives.
Conclusion
The power of podcasts is that it is up close and personal and it is a new form of form of communication and storytelling. Unlike the mainstream media that live on sound bites, podcasts explore beyond the sound bites. One of the reasons why podcasts are popular is because of COVID-19. It has allowed the listener to be more patient and give time to internalize the topic.
Podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience are redefining media landscapes, offering an alternative to the sound-bite-driven approach of traditional outlets. The long-term implications of this shift include changes in public discourse, the rise of independent media influencers, and a possible challenge to traditional geopolitical narratives.
As trust in mainstream media fluctuates, the role of podcasts in shaping society will likely grow, continuing to spark debates about freedom of speech, media responsibility, and the democratization of information.
Balaji is a freelance writer with an MA in History and Political science and has published articles on defence and strategic affairs and book reviews. He tweets @LaxmanShriram78. Views expressed are the author’s own.
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