Podcasting for journalists: from smartphone to studio

Podcasting represents an exciting opportunity for journalists to build audience loyalty and alternative revenue streams, while also telling deeper, more nuanced and creative stories. This workshop will cover all the practicalities of podcasting, including audio recording and editing apps, recording sound and interviews, scripting, editing, hosting and distribution. Whether take you’re starting out in podcasting – using mobile-friendly, accessible tools – or looking to set up a home studio or field reporting kit, this session will give you the resources and confidence to start you own audio projects. Participants will receive a digital handout with links to a range of resources and a recap of key learnings.
INTRODUCTION: How podcasting can enhance your reporting practice
> State of the market: opportunities in podcasting for journalists, including building brand and audience, telling stories outside the immediate news cycle and revenue streams
> Overall tips: authenticity is key, write for the ear, lean into complexity
PLANNING: Everything to know before you start recording
> Podcast formats and what’s required to make them. Interview, chat-casts, panel, documentary, personal narrative, explainers/backgrounders, audio fictions and hybrid formats
> Finding and identifying audio stories
> Recording equipment: from affordable smartphone microphones (e.g. Rode smartphone lapel; DJI wireless options) to field recorders (e.g. Zoom H6) or home studio options (e.g. Rodecaster, USB mics, sound shields)
> Recording apps to get you started: Voice Memos, VoiceRecord, Rode Reporter and Spotify for Creators
RECORDING: Getting the best sound quality from your setup
> Handling microphones and recorders
> How to control the environment and minimise sound issues
> Capturing rich sounds, scenes and locations
CRAFTING: Scripting and recording engaging audio narratives
Three top tips (with brief audio grabs as examples):
> Character is at the heart of audio: how to bring people to life through sound
> Clarity matters in linear formats: using signposts, transitions and summaries to guide your listeners
> Keep them guessing: drawing from fiction to craft narrative hooks and maximise tension and suspense
EDITING: The art of cutting together tight audio packages
> Editing tools: from easy apps (Spotify for Creators, Adobe Podcaster) to nuanced editing software (Adobe Audition, Audacity, Hindenburg, Da Vinci, Garage Band, video editing tools and more).
> Layering sound for richer, more immersive audio; finding the emotional beats. Brief live editing demonstration: from anecdote to immersive experience
HOSTING AND DISTRIBUTION: Finding your audience
> Hosting and distribution services (e.g. Spotify for Creators, Buzzsprout and Podbean) and common podcast platforms
QUESTIONS AND WRAP-UP
> Participants will be provided with a digital handout with links to recommended gear and tools. This can include a survey for session feedback.