By Rhea Vasavada ’29, Arts and Entertainment Staff Writer

Podcasts are no longer a niche corner of the internet – they’ve become a major part of how people consume media today. Once seen as just another form of entertainment, podcasts now rival television, radio, and even digital news outlets. A February 2025 Gallup study reported that trust in television news has fallen significantly over the last several decades, from 46 percent in 1993 to 11 percent in 2024. As traditional news outlets struggle with declining viewership, more listeners are turning to podcasts for their authenticity, depth, and conversational style.

According to Edison Research, 47 percent of the Gen Z population in the US are monthly podcast listeners, which equates to about 24 million people. This rising demand is driven by several factors that are currently disrupting the traditional news model. One reason for their popularity is convenience and flexibility. Unlike a scheduled broadcast, a podcast is on demand and available for a wide range of speakers. You can listen anytime, anywhere, whether you are commuting, exercising, or doing homework. 

Another factor is the format itself. Podcasts often have long-form, unscripted conversations that allow for deeper exploration of topics. This casual, conversational tone makes listeners feel as if they are part of a one-on-one discussion, which is hard to achieve through scripted and edited news. Mr. Yow is a former Newark Academy Director of Technical Theater who once taught a June Term podcasting class. He explains, “Podcasting opens the door to something different: it lets students dive into their niche interests, uncover great stories within them, and share what makes those interests spark. It’s a way to celebrate what makes you uniquely curious – and to broadcast that individuality to the whole community.”

Podcasts have even begun to influence multiple industries, such as politics and pop culture. In the 2024 Presidential elections, President Trump appeared on several long-form podcasts, which generated millions of views and drew voters’s attention. Meanwhile, in the entertainment world, Taylor Swift announced her new album, The Life of A Showgirl, on New Heights – a sports podcast created by her fiancé, Travis Kelce. This choice resulted in a significant increase in video views, streams, and social engagement for the podcast. Forbes.com  states, “The full podcast episode on YouTube generated 13 million views alone, surpassing the prior podcast episode record.” This event, along with the increasing number of cultural figures prioritizing podcast appearances, highlights a shift away from traditional media. Speakers are now choosing platforms that offer a direct, unfiltered connection to their audience, thereby bypassing media such as news outlets. This shift isn’t limited to guest appearances, since many artists are now creating their own shows for the same reason. Dua Lipa’s podcast, Service95 Book Club With Dua Lipa, launched on Spotify in June 2025, follows this trend. It is an author interview series where she curates monthly book picks and speaks directly with writers, rather than promoting her music or brand in the usual way.

Podcasts are also changing how brands communicate. Many companies now create “branded podcasts,” which are shows that focus on storytelling, interviews, or topics related to their mission rather than direct advertising. For instance, iHeartMedia and TikTok launched the “TikTok Podcast Network” in 2025, a co-branded studio effort producing up to 25 new shows that lean into creator stories and music culture rather than traditional promo spots. This strategy helps brands build trust and connect with listeners in a more authentic and meaningful way, further challenging traditional media’s role as the main source of information.

For students here at Newark Academy, podcasts can be an excellent way to stay informed. Sophie Hu ’26 explains that podcasts are “one of the best places for in-depth discussions on different niche topics,” noting that some episodes can run for hours and offer more context than short form media. She also added that their longer format can be “a good antidote” to the quick-bite content common on media platforms. Sophie’s perspective reflects a broader trend among young listeners. The rise of podcasts shows a shift toward media that values curiosity, context, and conversation over speed. Podcasts provide depth, helping listeners think critically, build media literacy, and stay entertained at the same time.