Science on air: the role of radio in science communication

Merzagora, Matteo

doi:10.22323/2.03040302

Cited by 8 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…They also allow for direct communication with the audience in an unrestricted manner, as a means of meeting the special interests of the public (Picardi and Regina, 2008) while enabling a direct and close interaction with the audience (Rogers and Herbert, 2019). Hence, podcasters strive to develop a more intimate connection to their listeners and a more authentic presentation of themselves (Merzagora, 2004) by presenting their particular expertise or individual opinion. The economical and simple production of podcasts gives anyone the chance to become a content creator.…”

Section: Podcastsa Short Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying future trends by podcast mining: an explorative approach for Web-based horizon scanning

Welz

Riemer

Döbel

et al. 2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose The aim of this paper is to gain knowledge in podcast mining as an additional source for Web-based horizon scanning (HS). The paper presents theoretical insights on the potential of podcast mining by exploring topics, which may be relevant in the future, and by reflecting the results against a background of HS approaches. The study provides a preliminary overview by presenting an exemplary list of podcast shows for further research. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses an exploratory quantitative content analysis, which was conducted on the basis of 30 topics deemed to be relevant in the future and which were identified in the field of applied science. Based on these topics, podcasts and episodes were identified which address future-oriented topics and were discussed in terms of range of content. Findings The findings indicate that future-oriented topics are addressed in podcasts. However, differences in dynamics and range of content of the podcasts concerned highlight the necessity of identifying a list of suitable podcasts according to the specific scanning focus and the dynamics of each future-oriented topics. Originality/value While a growing number of podcast studies have already noted the importance of podcasts as a key medium, for example, educational processes and media sciences, no detailed explanation of podcast mining as a tool for the purposes of HS has been published. The review therefore makes an original contribution to this field, highlighting areas where future research is needed.

show abstract

Section: Podcastsa Short Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying future trends by podcast mining: an explorative approach for Web-based horizon scanning

Welz

Riemer

Döbel

et al. 2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Figures for traditional print media and television consumption map a downwards trend, while internet audiences continue to soar (Eggington, 2008). Radio audiences, on the other hand, have been rather less affected by the rise of the internet (Merzagora, 2004;RAB/IAB, 2006) and the popularity of online 'listen again' facilities (Berry, 2006;RAJAR/Ipsos MORI, 2008) proves that there is still a great demand for audio content. Initial optimism about the future of digital radio, however, has waned (Griffiths, 2008), suggesting that the advantages over traditional radio are either not being made clear enough, or not living up to expectations.…”

Section: Podcasts and The Evolving Media Landscapementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Perhaps the most obvious reason that people use any media is for entertainment and information (Green et al, 2004;Vorderer et al, 2004). Audio as a format is considered a less formal, more engaging way of communicating about science than written material, and can be used to establish a more intimate connection with an audience (Merzagora, 2004;RAB/IAB, 2006). Podcasts also offer the additional advantage over radio of complete listener control, meaning that not only are listeners engaged, they are able to choose to listen when and where they please and replay segments of audio that they have missed or want to hear again.…”

Section: Podcasting As a Tool For Science Engagementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Podologues: conversations created by science podcasts

Birch

Weitkamp

2010

New Media & Society

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Podcasts are media files that can be automatically aggregated and downloaded via the internet, and transferred to portable media players. Combined with online discussion facilities, podcasts represent flexible and potentially valuable tools for communicating about science. This pilot project aimed to assess the role of science podcasts in stimulating discussions, or 'podologues', about science through detailed analyses of a sample of five popular science podcasts. Two main methods were used: content analysis of online discussion forums and blogs associated with the five podcasts and interviews with listeners. The results show that podcasts are regarded as valuable sources of scientific information by listeners and that blogs and forums can act as public spaces for audience members to share knowledge, develop their own ideas about science and provide feedback to media producers. Larger, more detailed studies are required to further understand the value of podcasts for stimulating public discourse about science.

show abstract

“…Merzagora notes that compared to television and print, audio media is 'more relaxed and reflective'; that it 'allows the audience to hear the true voice of the protagonist' (i.e. the science communicator); and that 'the barrier separating the listener from journalists and scientists is less impenetrable' [11]. Additionally, podcasts creators commonly use websites and social media to receive listener feedback and facilitate discussion.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Science podcasts: analysis of global production and output from 2004 to 2018

Mackenzie

2019

R. Soc. open sci.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Since 2004, podcasts have emerged as a decentralized medium for science communication to the global public. However, to date, there have been no large-scale quantitative studies of the production and dissemination of science podcasts. This study identified 952 English language science podcasts available between January and February 2018 and analysed online textual and visual data related to the podcasts and classified and noted key production parameters. It was found that the total number of science podcast series available grew linearly between 2004 and 2010, and then exponentially between 2010 and 2018. Sixty-five per cent of science podcast series were hosted by scientists and 77% were targeted to public audiences. Although a wide range of primarily single-subject science podcasts series were noted, 34% of science podcast series were not dedicated to a science subject. Compared to biology and physics, chemistry may be under-represented by science podcasts. Only 24% of science podcast series had any overt financial income. Sixty-two per cent of science podcast series were affiliated to an organization; producing a greater number of episodes (median = 24, average = 96) than independent science podcast series (median = 16, average = 48). This study provides the first ‘snapshot’ of how science podcasts are being used to communicate science to public audiences around the globe.

show abstract

Science on air: the role of radio in science communication

Cited by 8 publications

References 0 publications

Identifying future trends by podcast mining: an explorative approach for Web-based horizon scanning

Identifying future trends by podcast mining: an explorative approach for Web-based horizon scanning

Podologues: conversations created by science podcasts

Science podcasts: analysis of global production and output from 2004 to 2018

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About