Radio Vs Podcast. Which Side Are You On?

You probably wonder why so many Podcasts have been popping up on your Youtube page, or even why your local celebrity is quitting their radio gig to start one. Or sincerely questioning what a podcast is altogether.

Let’s take it back to 2001 when Apple released the iPod, where one could download radio broadcasts or music and upload it onto the iPod. The ground-breaking audio device set the stage for a new form of audio production and consumption. This audio blogging production initiated what we call podcasting, a combination of iPod and broadcasting.

With that, radio still remains the most widespread communication medium in Africa, reaching the remotest geographical areas compared to the Internet, print and television. However, podcasts are steadily and slowly rising to become radio’s biggest competitors.

Yesterday marked World Radio Day, a day initiated by the United Nations General Assembly, the question remains; Does Radio have a future?

Accessibility
You could easily choose when to listen to your favourite podcast show by downloading it and saving it for later on your computer or mobile device anywhere in the world. Where as radio, one has to tune in at a specific time to catch their fave host on air.

Affordability
The only gadget a beginner may need to start a podcast is their smartphone making this route inexpensive. Podcasts don’t require complex equipment, hence reducing production costs. Whereas radio one requires an entire studio set up, which costs a lot if not millions.

Creativity
Podcasters possess immense creative freedom in content production. It is free from mainstream media bias, unlike radio. The more freedom of expression a podcast creator has, the more creative and interesting their content will be. With podcasts

In conclusion, Kenyan radio stations are still relevant today and the older generations still rely on them for news, education, and entertainment. The younger generation can still be enticed to do the same, especially if they are included in the industry’s shaping.

While some media houses have tried to start new niche stations that haven’t withstood the test of time; other newer stations such as NRG, SoundCity have cropped up with a modern vibe. The OG stations are also adapting their content to the new digital era.

Radio birthed podcasts but radio is still a long way from dead. Podcasts are more like programs on radio. If TV stations are still relevant, Radion stations can still be mainly because of the collective aspect they bring. Now it’s up to us to set the new wave.