The podcast industry has grown an insane amount over the past decade, captivating audiences with everything from investigative journalism and true crime stories to hilarious commentary and inspiring storytelling. In a digital age, where video is the most used form of entertainment, audio podcasts are very niche, offering listeners stories that can fit into the busy times of their lives, for writers and journalists, crafting stories for podcasts is a mix of narrative techniques that are effective for engaging audiences with an audio-based medium. Here is a guide to the nuances of storytelling in podcasts, specifically focused on what sets audio journalism apart and how writers can create stories that resonate with listeners. 

The Power of the Spoken Word

Writing for podcasts is a different challenge than writing for print, video, or digital text. In podcasts, storytelling is conveyed entirely through spoken language and sound, relying on the listener’s imagination to create mental images. This means that journalists and writers who write for podcasts must be able to create descriptive language and good story pacing while making sure that the narrative is still clear. Good podcast writing often feels like a blend between an engaging conversation and a cinematic experience. It must be clear and vivid enough to paint scenes in the listener’s mind without visual aids.

One of the most powerful parts of podcasting is its ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. As listeners hear a voice directly speaking to them, the experience can feel like a one-on-one interaction, which often makes listeners have feelings of closeness and trust. This unique quality of podcasts makes them a great platform for storytelling in journalism, where writers and producers have the opportunity to build a deep emotional connection with their audience, whether they are narrating personal experiences, investigating complex issues, or spotlighting human-interest stories. 

Writing With Audio in Mind

Writing for podcasts requires a deep understanding of sound as a storytelling tool. In traditional journalism, written language is supplemented by photographs, charts, or videos that add context and clarity to the story. But in podcasting, sound is all you have to set the tone, convey information, and establish an emotional connection. This shifts the focus to how words are spoken and received by the audience. 

Podcast scripts should ideally be conversational and engaging, avoiding overly complex sentences and jargon. Sentences should be clear, but not too simplistic. The aim is to sound natural and unscripted, as though the host is speaking directly to the listener. Repetition and emphasis on key points are also very effective techniques for helping listeners to retain information. If you are trying to start or work for a journalism-focused podcast you will need to focus on credible, clear delivery to make your audience trust you and stay invested in the story that is being told. 

Narrative Structure: How to Engage Listeners from Start to Finish

The structure of a podcast script can vary depending on the genre, but certain storytelling techniques are effective across the board. Much like print journalism, a podcast episode needs an attention-grabbing hook at the beginning to draw in listeners. The introduction should quickly set up the episode’s main topic or question, creating a sense of intrigue that keeps the audience tuned in. 

In the case of story-based journalism podcasts, the three-act structure is often used. The first act introduces the main topic or issue, setting the stage with background information or an emotional story. The second act typically dives into the complexities, challenges, or conflicts, and the final act resolves these problems. It also often ends with a call to action, reflection, or thought-provoking insight.

For example, investigative podcasts like Serial or In the Dark use this three act structure to tell their stories in a way that builds suspense and engagement. While print journalism also uses similar storytelling arcs, podcast writers need to be more attentive to the pacing and tonal shifts in order to maintain a rhythm that keeps the listener both interested and oriented within the story. 

Characters and Interviews: Bringing Stories to Life

One of the defining elements of journalistic storytelling is the use of real voices and characters to tell the story. When done well, interviews and sound bites add layers of authenticity and emotion to a story, allowing listeners to connect on a personal level. A strong interview can be an amazing backbone of a podcast episode, driving the story forward and giving voice to perspectives that might be underrepresented in traditional media. 

Writing around interviews requires an editorial skill that balances structure and flexibility. Rather than treating interviews as supplementary, podcast writers should be able to weave it into the story as an important piece. Questions should be crafted with an ear for responses that are emotional, conflicted, and curious. Having all of these elements will pull your listeners deeper into the story. 

Soundscapes and Music: Creating an Immersive Experience

Sound design is another important part of storytelling in podcasts that contributes to the listener’s emotional experience. Background music, ambient sounds, and effects can all play a role in creating an atmosphere that can make people emotional or make important moments more memorable. For instance, adding the subtle sounds of a bustling city in the background can enhance a story about urban life, while suspenseful music can build tension in true crime podcasts. 

For writers and journalists, scripting with soundscapes in mind means thinking about how specific sounds can help bring to life important moments without the need for descriptive speech. It is a powerful technique that can add a lot of depth to your podcast story, allowing you to craft a story that is both heart and felt. 

Ethics and Responsibility in Podcast Journalism

As podcasting has grown, so too has the responsibility of podcast journalists to maintain high standards of ethics and integrity. Audio storytelling has the power to influence, educate, and inspire, but it also has the potential to misinform if not handled responsibly. Ethical journalism in podcasts involves fact-checking, representing sources accurately, and being transparent with the audience about limitations and biases. 

Since podcasts are a more “intimate” and personal form of storytelling, it is especially important for writers and producers to handle sensitive topics with care, avoiding being rude or insensitive. Journalists also need to be mindful of how they portray individuals and communities, taking care to respect privacy and cultural sensitivity. 

The Future of Podcast Storytelling in Journalism 

Podcasting continues to grow and evolve as a new form of storytelling, and it has had an undeniable impact on journalism. For writers and journalists, podcasts offer an audio-based platform to explore stories that might not fit into traditionally printed or digital media formats. As more people turn to podcasts for news, entertainment, and education, the demand for skilled audio storytellers who can create compelling, ethical journalism will only grow. 

For writers stepping into the world of podcasting, there are many exciting opportunities to harness the power of sound, voice, and storytelling to shape a new era of journalism. The art of storytelling in podcasts not only gives the listeners an amazing and memorable experience, but is a reminder that spoken word storytelling is extremely powerful.