Thursday, January 21, 2016

Investigating Genres

Uncovering the Podcast.
The Podcast is one of many genres of communication. "Tonight Show" TV host Jimmy Fallon frequently uses a podcast segment from former NBA basketball player Shaquille O'Neil as part of his monologue routine. Although the "Shaq Podcast" is meant to be funny and lighthearted, most podcasts are informative and talk about opinions and ideas in a "public forum". Some examples of podcasts are the "TED Talk" podcast, the "Fresh Air" podcast by NPR, and the "How Stuff Works" podcast. 
  1. The podcast can serve many purposes, first and foremost is to inform the listener of information or perspectives that they do not already possess. In addition, the podcast must be fun and entertaining in order to keep the attention of the listener. In many cases this entertainment comes from the podcast speakers personality. 
  2. Many listeners find their podcasts through websites of celebrities or companies or through various recommendations from other people. However a good spot to start looking for podcasts is through various media stores like iTunes, the Android Marketplace, the Google Play store, etc. Personally, I find it easiest to locate new podcasts on iTunes. 
  3. The podcast is typically aimed at the working person who doesn't have time to devote to watching a TV show, thus they need to be able to continue to work or do activities while they are listening to their informative podcast. However in general, podcasts can be effective for any busy person looking to stay busy while being able to catch up on the latest news, politics, sports, ideas, etc.
  4. Podcasts are different from most other types of writing or media in that they feature voice segments exclusively. Podcasts feature interviews like other forms of media, but they also feature soundbites. Unlike written interviews and video segments, everything is a podcast is focused around vocal delivery. 
  5. In conclusion, a podcast can be described as a type of media in which ideas and opinions are spread about in an informative and interesting way. Podcasts entertain and inform in a way which allow the listener to continue to function in everyday life while being informed. 
Anonymous, "Microphone, Audio, Radio" via Pixabay
CCO licence
Many of my classmates were thorough in their descriptions of different types of media. Upon reflection, they have described video essays. The point out that new media must be able to engage the senses in addition to informing the audience. This makes most new media types more effective than a traditional essay would. 
This reflection is in response to Sofia Haserot and Gabby Dietrich.


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3 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 22, 2016 at 7:43 PM

    Your description of the kind of podcast audience member was thorough and well thought out. As well, I can relate to that description. If I'm busy or on the go, I don't usually have time to watch say, a news story on the TV. However, I can watch a podcast of said new story on my phone while I'm on the move. Your conclusion can be a bit confusing, however. Many types of media can spread ideas in an informative and entertaining way.

    My advice for you is to answer this question in your conclusion: what sets a podcast apart from other kinds of media for making information entertaining to follow?

    -Joshua Smith

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  2. gdietrichJanuary 24, 2016 at 11:20 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2016 at 9:29 PM

    First off, I really enjoyed reading your post in general. Very informative and thorough all around. I related to when you said that "In many cases this entertainment comes from the podcast speakers personality. " because I watch the Rooster Teeth podcast and it is very much personality driven.

    I don't have any complaints really, Good Stuff.

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