Research #4: Audio Prominence

November 23, 2015

How to tell a story only using audio

As this course is called New Media Production, I believe there should also be some interest in the newish media of Podcasts.

99% Invisible

99% Invisible is a San Fransisco based podcast, about architecture and design. The combination of interviews, voice-over by the host Roman Mars and soundscapes creates and immersive storytelling experience. The love of the host for the podcast subjects is easily distinguishable and brings an extra dimension to the stories. The use of visual storytelling makes you feel a part of the environment that is talked about. It is an emergence into a world that you've never seen. 

No Such Thing as a Fish

The 'elves' (researchers) of the TV show QI have their own podcast. It is filled with weird facts and wonderful stories. The recordings are a mix of live shows and studio recordings. Although there are no soundscapes or effects used, the laughter and reactions of the host pull you in to their conversation. You feel like part of their group of friends, a bit like sitting at the same table in the pub. The facts are diverse and entertaining, as the facts in the TV show are. The title of the podcast is refers to in the theme song of the show as well as one of the first facts they ever covered.

Stuff You Missed in History Class

As the title of the podcast already states, this podcast deals with the happenings and people that are usually not talked about in history class. Now, I've never had history lessons to start with, but that does not take away from the fact that the subjects of this podcast are different from those you would normally hear or read about. The use of storytelling to introduce the subject makes the actually factual information so much more interesting. They clearly state their sources and they answer listener mail at the end of each podcast. This gives the lister the feeling that they are involved in the creation of these stories.

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