Expanding Horizons: How Podcasts and Digital Platforms Redefine Entertainment
The rise of the internet came with a lot of worries regarding its impact on the entertainment world. Fears of piracy were quite common back in the 1990s and early 2000s. Many creatives were afraid that their work would be posted unauthorized online, and of course, there were those generally anxious about how the internet could replace certain aspects of pop culture.
It turns out, the rise of the digital era contributed greatly to both creative and financial growth in entertainment. Not only did the internet make it easy to access certain forms of media, but it also helps people to better understand them, by connecting them with like-minded fans worldwide. Of course, there is also the fact that the internet led to some new forms of entertainment.
Digital Entertainment Platforms
The growing success of digital entertainment platforms is, perhaps, most obvious in the world of gambling. The iGaming industry has led to some truly impressive reforms in the greater market. You can just as easily try your luck with free spins at an online slot platform, as you can access your favorite poker game. With livestreaming, you can even play your favorite games with like-minded people, and a human dealer, all from the comfort of your couch.
Speaking of streaming, streaming services have, undoubtedly played a huge role in popularizing certain niche mediums, and elevating the voices of underground writers, directors, and actors. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and even some online platforms like YouTube, Tik Tok, and Twitch are a great way to present your ideas to the world, and show that creativity still exists in film and television.
Finally, podcasting is no longer seen as a silly hobby, but rather a bustling market. There are plenty of people who’ve managed to convey new and exciting ideas about philosophy, writing, literature, film, and more through audio sharing apps like Spotify and Soundcloud, where some of the most popular podcasts are being hosted. Indeed, podcasts are especially effective in helping people expand their horizons, as far as entertainment is concerned.
A Return to Radio
Before the invention of the television, the king of entertainment was the radio. The box-looking device was capable of transmitting sound worldwide, helping people all over to get the latest news, music, and entertainment. Of course, as soon as the TV came around, most forgot all about the radio. After all, why listen, when you can watch?
Interestingly enough, the radio seems to have made a return of sorts, in the form of podcasts. TV ratings have been taking a dive recently, in large part due to the prevalence of streaming services. On the other hand, podcasts are now more popular than ever. Those with a taste for the ironic might say that podcasts are a return to radio, and a sort of blow back against the very invention that ended it.
When most people think of podcasts, they think of a single person, waxing poetic about various topics that they know nothing about. However, the truth is that there is much more to the medium. Whether you want to relax with comedy podcasts, learn some stuff with educational shows like Ted Talks Daily, or hear what people have to say about film, television, or literature, there is a podcast out there for you.
Scripted Podcasts
A storytelling medium that many believed would be lost to time are radio dramas. We, once again, must go back to the pre-TV era. Actors and actresses would record lines for a show, which would then get broadcast across the country. In order to help understand the situation better, the shows would include a ton of exposition. Non-the-less they were a fun time for children and adults. One of the most popular shows of the era was The Shadow, which saw brilliant actor and director, Orson Welles as the titular hero.
Audio dramas have made a huge comeback in the form of scripted podcasts. As you may have guessed, scripted podcasts involve writers creating a script, and hiring actors to perform it for a global audience. YouTube, Spotify, and various other platforms feature a ton of these excellent shows, some of which have hundreds of episodes to enjoy. The best part is that, most scripted podcasts are created by independent writers and actors, which means that they bring a sort of passion and drive that simply does not exist in Hollywood.
In terms of popularity, Welcome to Night Vale would be the big one. A paranormal audio drama presented as a radio show in the fictional American town of Night Vale, the show tackles topics like cults, horror monsters, paranormal occurrences, and more, all the while maintaining a veneer of satire and humor, which resonates with a big crowd. The podcast became such a hit, that several books have been published by both creators of the show, Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor.
Building a Community
One of the advantages of podcasting is that the people involved can build a community with their fans. Hollywood actors and chart-topping singers may have a lot more followers, which is always good. But, they simply can’t share that sense of personal bonds that people establish with podcasters. However, it is always good to remember that such a bond may have its pros and cons. Parasocial relationships are not necessarily a bad thing, but if left unchecked, they could morph into unhealthy obsessions.
Despite the downsides, there is no doubt that it is easier to maintain a loyal community, when the person you are a fan of directly interacts with you. For example, a mega star like Taylor Swift simply does not have the time to visit forums dedicated to her music. Even if she did, her managers would in no way encourage her to post anything, for fear of revealing some personal information about herself. On the other hand, podcast hosts are much more likely to interact on social media platforms, and even have long-form conversations with their fans. This sense of community goes a long way.