Crime Junkies: A Case for Studying Information Behavior Surrounding True Crime Podcasts

Abstract

True crime podcasts have become a cultural phenomenon and consistently draw more listeners than any other podcast genre. The interplay between true crime podcast creators and their fans is distinctive and is having ripple effects throughout society, demonstrating patterns of information behavior distinct from other media. To date, podcasts generally, and true crime podcasts in particular, have been understudied in the LIS field. The author argues the need for this research, asserting that LIS researchers are uniquely qualified as information professionals to study this new development in information behavior. This paper presents five theories, models, and constructs widely accepted in LIS research, explaining how each is well‐suited for use in studying this topic. The author concludes by discussing implications of this research that go beyond creators and fans, extending into the realms of law enforcement, victims’ rights, and criminal prosecution. True crime podcasts represent a rare opportunity to study a truly new development in information behavior, and LIS scholars are called to be at the forefront of this new area of research.