Briefly analysed
The podcast is currently one of the most popular formats – also in SciComm. The format doesn’t cost much. And it is entertaining. But there are so many podcasts. You don’t know which one should I listen first? And: Wouldn’t it make sense if the creators of SciComm podcasts joined forces? There should be a contact point where everyone knows: here I can exchange information and listen to what is currently going on in SciComm.
Audio Talking about SciComm is necessary. It is optimal if practitioners and researchers come together. There are enough podcast formats like this or similar at the moment. What if there was one place to listen to SciComm podcasts?
The list of science communication podcasts is long: For example, “ZEIT für WissKomm”, “Wisskomm-Quartett”, or “Herzkopfen”. It feels like SciComm podcasts are experiencing an immense upswing right now. Almost every organization or institution uses this audio format for science communication. A closer look reveals: Some podcasts are similar. What is science communication? What can it accomplish? Why is SciComm necessary? Each of these questions is interesting and justified. As someone interested in SciComm, you would want to listen to all of them, wouldn’t you? But first, there is the question of what to listen to first, and second, there is not enough time to listen to all the podcasts.
Where is the added value?
By the way, not all SciComm podcasts offer added value. Sometimes topics are discussed that are no longer current. For example, the first topic of the weekly newspaper ZEIT for WissKomm podcast is “Crossmedial Science Communication.” Cross-media has long been standard practice at SciComm. It is not something new. If the podcast wants to stay true to its motto “From practice – for practice”, ZEIT should talk about more current practical topics.
Please don’t get me wrong: Podcasts are a great format for reaching people. The audio format can break down complex things because, unlike a video, you can’t bring in a graphic or a picture to explain it. But is that enough to reach my target audience? Are they listening to me? Or do I just choose the format because everyone is using it?
More reach through bundled offer
If, for example, I want to enter into a dialog with citizens, a podcast is less useful. Formats such as Clubhouse or Twitter Spaces are better suited because everyone can participate. For interested parties who could not participate, the audio can be put online. However, only if those who are involved give their approval. There should be places where people can easily exchange ideas without everything being saved. This can increase the number of people who want to share their thoughts.
More outreach for the important topic of SciComm and all the questions about it, could be increased by having a place to go. Wouldn’t it make more sense for the creators of the previous podcasts, and all interested parties to exchange ideas together? And about which topics are current, what needs to be talked about and how the target group can be reached. Not every university, organization or institution needs to reinvent the wheel and develop its own podcast. Collaborating and referencing others would move SciComm forward. A general podcast about the SciComm scene could increase visibility in the current podcast glut. In the long run, this would increase reach.
More influence on policy
The podcast format is a way for researchers and practitioners to exchange ideas on a regular basis. It would be nice if this is in one place – for example at the Berlin School of Public Engagement and Open Science. That way, everyone knows where they can listen to current discussions on WissKomm or exchange ideas. A contact point creates the possibility to become more visible and ultimately to influence politics, to make WissKomm an integral part of society. This would make strategic sense.