During this four-week course, you'll gain an understanding of why one of the oldest storytelling forms is having a renaissance thanks to technological changes. We'll explore the fundamentals of great audio storytelling, podcasting, voice assistants, how to get audio to your audiences, and more.
The Power of Digital Audio Storytelling: From Podcasts to Voice Assistants
Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas and The University of Texas at Austin via Independent
This course may be unavailable.
Overview
Syllabus
Introduction Module: Course description
In the introductory module, you will get an overview of the course structure and meet the instructor.
Module 1: Why audio, why now?
We look at the reasons audio storytelling has been able to endure.
This module will cover:
- Why audio
- The enduring power of audio
- Technology shifts and new opportunities
- A lean back medium adapts to a lean forward world
- A conversation about how audio storytelling has persisted with Julie Shapiro, Executive Producer Radiotopia from PRX
Module 2: Fundamentals of great audio storytelling is the key to the future
We break down the fundamentals of great storytelling - fundamentals that endure regardless of the technological platform.
This module will cover:
- Emotion and the heart of audio storytelling
- Writing for the ear
- Audience of 1
- Sound design practitioner interview with Ramtin Arablouei, co-producer and co-host, Throughline
- Making the transition from print to audio with practitioner interview Hannah Allam, correspondent, NPR
Module 3: The podcasting (r)evolution
Podcasting has changed the game in how audio is produced, consumed, & thought of.
This module will cover:
- How podcasting injected new life into audio
- From basements to big business with guest interview with Nick Quah founder of the podcasting newsletter Hot Pod
- From quirky guys in a garage to daily news. Guest interview with Samantha Henig, formerly New York Times now Buzzfeed News
Module 4: Big tech embraces the oldest communication form
Technology has opened up the opportunities for audio storytelling.
This module will cover:
- How audio is encountered on listening platforms from linear to on demand and algorithms in between
- Voice assistants and interactive audio storytelling practitioner interview with Nicky Birch, Commissioning Exec BBC Voice + AI
- Voice platform adoption internationally, interview with Ezra Eeman from European Broadcasters Union
- Your platform or mine? How will you get your audio to audiences
