Introduction: Podcast

A podcast is a digital file that contains audio or video, allowing for flexible and intimate storytelling. Unlike traditional radio, the cost to start producing a podcast is remarkably low, meaning many different types of creators can participate using devices like cell phones. This medium builds a strong feeling of closeness with listeners because the host’s voice seems to be speaking directly into your ear, creating deep, personal connections. Podcasters often imagine their audience as friends or fans.

The Form And Experience Of Podcasting

A podcast is essentially a readily accessible digital file that contains audio and/or video content. Unlike traditional broadcast media, podcasts are often structured to fit their content, offering flexibility in storytelling. They can feature narration from a host or reporter, a conversation among a group or a one-on-one interview.

The Podcast Industry

The podcast industry has seen remarkable growth, with the number of active podcast programs climbing from 550,000 to 750,000 between 2018 and 2019. More than a third of anglophones in Canada listen to podcasts, and just over a quarter of francophones.

Resources for Teachers - Audio Media

Resources for Parents - Audio Media

Audio Media: Introduction 

Audio media, such as music and podcasts, share the power to communicate deeply and personally with listeners, often using sound and words to tell stories and set moods. Both forms have been fundamentally changed by digital technology, which has made content abundant and accessible, mainly through mobile devices and streaming. These digital changes mean that algorithms and platform rules are now major forces in deciding what listeners discover and consume. 

How Music Communicates Meaning

Understanding how music communicates requires looking at multiple layers: the lyrics, the sound itself, accompanying visuals (like music videos), and the broader cultural and historical context.

Music: Introduction

Music is much more than sound; it’s a complex system that communicates meaning by engaging our feelings and bodies.
The way listeners discover and consume music has been completely transformed by the shift to digital streaming.

The Modern Music Industry

The music industry is a driven by economics, technology, gatekeepers and the ever-evolving ways people discover and consume music. Understanding these features is crucial to understanding the music itself and its impact.