Many colleges still teach radio production courses, but not all of them talk about podcast production.
I believe the new Radio 101 should focus on podcasting.
I know some of my former radio colleagues might disagree, but there are strengths in podcasting that radio just doesn’t have.
Disclaimers first
Of course, the new Radio 101 should include a look at the history of radio; it’s important to know where you came from.
And if you have any interest beyond just talking through a microphone, there are engineering, sales, and management jobs in radio that offer good salaries.
But if you love talking, telling stories, editing—if you love audio—you should learn how to podcast.
Higher education should teach you how to podcast
Does your college or school teaching podcasting?
I’m continually surprised to hear of schools that don’t offer any podcast production classes.
I’ve thought about this a lot.
If I taught a college class on podcasting, not only would you learn the history of radio, but you would learn how to plan, produce, and publish your own podcast show in one semester.
Imagine how that would look on your resume.
Podcasting for practice only
Even if your professor is not teaching podcasting, go make one anyway.
Make a podcast for the sake of practice.
Practice preparing and recording interviews.
Practice using your voice, especially if you’re looking to find work in voiceovers.
Practice informative and persuasive speaking with a podcast.
And even demonstration speeches can work with audio too. You just have to be creative with what you say.
Write stories and tell them.
Create audio dramas!
Explore topics you love.
Research and talk about subjects that make you curious.
Their loss
Radio 101 should focus on podcasting.
It’s a disservice to students to ignore this.
Any media or communication school that does not teach students how to podcast is not paying attention to the future.
Actually, it’s not even about the future anymore. It’s about the present. It’s about right now.
Your opportunity
Even if your college or school is not teaching you how to podcast, don’t let that stop you.
Go make your own podcast!
Listen to this
I talk more about this issue on my podcast at OnTheGo.FM
Press play to hear it here.
Go here to subscribe to the OnTheGo.FM podcast.
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