OPINION: The power of podcasts in politics

Photo via: AI Generation 

Although the concept of podcasting is only 20 years old, it has made its mark as a prevalent form of entertainment and news. In particular, podcasting has become increasingly relevant in the world of politics. During the 2024 Election season, Vice President Kamala Harris and President-elect Donald Trump appeared on multiple podcasts. Both candidates hoped these guest appearances would help them to reach more voters. Ultimately, this strategy may have led Trump to secure his victory. 

Podcasting was developed in 2004 when Adam Curry and Dave Winer created “iPodder.” This program allowed users to download internet radio content to their iPods. By combining the words iPod and broadcasting, journalist Ben Hammersley coined the term “podcasting” when describing this upsurge in amateur radio thanks to iPods and audio software. In 2005, the word “podcast” was even the New Oxford American Dictionary word of the year, and, since then, podcasting has only continued to grow.

Now, 20 years later, nearly half of Americans listen to podcasts. One of the beauties of podcasts is how accessible they are. Almost anyone can pull out their smartphone and listen to a podcast anywhere and at any time. There's no need to be at home in front of a television or to worry about missing any news when it can all be found in your pocket.

Podcasting allows people to multitask since they don’t have to sit down to watch a show or read a newspaper. They can play a podcast while working or cleaning without getting distracted. The accessibility of podcasts may be part of the reason that about half of Americans listen to them. Not only that, but, of the Americans who listen to podcasts, almost 70 percent say that news is somehow involved, furthering the point that Americans are beginning to turn to podcasts as a source for news.

As podcasting becomes more of a news source for some listeners, it now holds a significant political influence. Since this year was an election season, political podcasts were especially highlighted. Bloomberg’s Ashley Carman even called this year's election the ‘Podcast Election.' Most podcast news listeners expect the news they get to be accurate, giving political podcasts even more power over those listening to them. The trust Americans give to their favorite podcasts is a reflection of how podcast hosts can create a relationship with their listeners in a way that mainstream news anchors can’t.

From politicians' point of view, podcasts are a great way to reach voters. In particular, reach young or first-time voters, as young adults are more likely to listen to podcasts. An interview from a podcast host also provides politicians with a more relaxed environment than an interview with a news anchor on a mainstream news station would. Politicians have the chance to connect with people on a more personal level and create a relationship with listeners, just as podcast hosts do. 

During her campaign, Harris appeared on multiple podcasts, notably the popular “Call Her Daddy” podcast hosted by Alex Cooper. On the podcast, Harris discussed both reproductive rights and economic issues. However, the reaction to the podcast interview may not have gone the way Harris hoped.

Call Her Daddy’s audience consists primarily of young women, a group Harris was already favored in. By going on this podcast, Harris failed to reach more voters who may not have been in favor of Harris and just continued to campaign to people she already had a vote from. New York Post columnist Kirsten Fleming even called the interview a “joke.”

Like Harris, Trump also appeared on multiple podcasts during the election season. Trump appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience, hosted by Joe Rogan. The podcast is the most popular podcast in the world, with over 18 million subscribers and billions of listeners. Rogan’s 3-hour-long interview and endorsement of Trump gave him that large audience and a much more positive reaction than Harris’ Call Her Daddy interview. 

Rogan also invited Harris to join his podcast, but she declined after Rogan refused to accept her campaign's terms. If Harris had agreed, she would have been able to reach an audience that she couldn't with Call Her Daddy and may have changed the minds of some voters. During Trump’s victory speech after he won the presidency, when handed the microphone, UFC CEO Dana White thanked Joe Rogan, calling him the “mighty and powerful Joe Rogan.”

Due to their versatility, podcasts will continue to succeed in the world of news and politics for years to come. As those who listen to podcasts grow up, they might be inspired to start their own podcasts, since creating a podcast is relatively simple and a fast way to get your ideas and opinions into the world. However, technology is always growing and it will be interesting to see what the future brings to the world of news, politics and podcasting. 

Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.