Blog 4: Podcasting & Different Perspectives - Anthony Sigismondo

When completing my presentation’s required readings and gaining an understanding of what the authors were arguing, I can confidently say that I find it very interesting that there is such a large divide regarding the classification of podcasts. For example, as I explained during my presentation, a scholar like Michele Hilmes would consider Podcasts an extension of/ the next step in radio. Basically considering podcasting as a form of radio. This would be in contrast to what a scholar like Richard Berry would say, in that Podcasts should not be considered radio at all, and that Podcasting is its own unique medium in every right. 


In the end, I do believe that Bonini presents the best argument for how to view Podcasting; as radio, as not radio/its own unique medium, but primarily as a complex socio-technical assemblage. But that’s kind of besides my point.


What I really find interesting is how differently two academic sources could view the medium/topic of Podcasting. I guess that these opposite perspectives could be due to a difference in academic backgrounds/ fields of study between the two authors, but I would be interested to know what everyone else thinks…

Comments

  1. marina florencioMarch 20, 2023 at 7:28 PM

    Hi Anthony,

    Great post, I really enjoyed reading it! The different classifications of podcasts you brought to attention are very interesting, there is no doubt that defining podcast and finding the 'right' classification can be tricky. Though I think that Michelle Hilmes, Richard Berry and Bonini all have made strong points. I agree with you and also think that Bonini presents the most appropriate argument as he identifies the complexity and uniqueness of podcasts and describes it as a socio-technical assemblage.

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  2. Danielle AlonsoMarch 28, 2023 at 6:58 PM

    Hi Anthony,
    I enjoyed reading your post. I have found that I would align myself with Michele Hilmes’ idea that Podcasts are an extension/ the next steps of radio. Both Podcasts and radio have the ability to create a community that do not have geological borders. A step that neither Radio or newspaper was able to do. However, I could also see how Podcasting could be seen as its own medium (Bonini argument).

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