The Rise of Long-Form Podcasts and the Decline of Traditional News Broadcasts

The 2024 US presidential campaign is proof that times are changing. Long-form podcasts have redefined how we consume news and entertainment, blending in-depth discussions with on-demand accessibility. This transformation reflects more than just a shift in technology—it’s a cultural pivot toward media formats that prioritize depth and authenticity.

It wasn’t always this way. During the first US-Iraq war, news broadcasts were the singular source of real-time updates. People trusted what they saw on TV as the unvarnished truth. But then came 9/11, an event that fractured this trust. The internet lit up with conspiracy theories about it being an inside job, from the collapse of buildings at free-fall speed to unanswered questions about official narratives. For the first time, people began questioning the media’s monopoly on truth.

Fast forward, and we live in a world where short-form platforms like TikTok dominate. These platforms cater to shrinking attention spans, serving up algorithm-driven clips designed to capture fleeting interest. Yet, paradoxically, long-form podcasts have risen alongside them, proving that there’s still a desire for deep, substantive conversations.

Trailblazers like Joe Rogan led the charge, and others followed: Timcast IRL, Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay, PBD Podcast, Russell Brand, Mark Dice, The Rubin Report, and Alex Jones, to name a few. From one-on-one interviews to four-hour panel discussions, these podcasts cater to every taste. Their reach is undeniable, regularly drawing millions of viewers and often outpacing prime-time broadcasts. This shift isn’t just technological—it’s a redefinition of how we connect with information and with each other.

Trust Eroded

The decline of traditional news broadcasts can be traced to pivotal moments in history, where trust in the media began to wane significantly. The events surrounding 9/11 marked one of the first major cracks in the armor. While the initial coverage united people around their televisions for updates and expert analysis, the aftermath painted a different picture. As questions arose about the events—such as the collapse of buildings, the lack of response to warnings, and the scope of government involvement—alternative narratives began to flourish online.

Conspiracy theories like the “inside job” gained traction, with arguments about free-fall collapses and missing information fueling public skepticism. The internet became a breeding ground for these ideas, a stark contrast to the singular voice of authority that news broadcasts once represented. Instead of addressing these theories head-on with transparency and investigative rigor, many outlets dismissed them outright, inadvertently fueling further distrust.

This moment was emblematic of a broader trend. The internet enabled a democratization of information, where audiences were no longer passive recipients of the news but active participants in seeking out alternative viewpoints. As trust in news outlets eroded, audiences began turning to platforms that allowed for deeper exploration of the complexities behind major events, rejecting the often-sanitized narratives of mainstream media.

The Rise of On-Demand Content

Parallel to the erosion of trust was the rise of digital, on-demand content. As the internet expanded, it transformed the way audiences accessed and consumed information. Gone were the days when people planned their evenings around scheduled news broadcasts. Instead, they wanted information immediately—on their schedule, not the network’s.

The growing popularity of platforms like YouTube and social media allowed users to curate their own news feeds, prioritizing topics and perspectives that resonated with them. This shift disrupted the traditional broadcast model, which relied heavily on appointment viewing. News outlets, with their rigid time slots and pre-determined editorial agendas, struggled to adapt to this new reality.

Moreover, on-demand content allows audiences to engage with a wider variety of voices. Independent creators, journalists, and commentators could produce content without the constraints of corporate oversight, delivering stories that traditional media often overlooked or ignored. The sheer accessibility and diversity of these platforms made them irresistible to audiences who had grown weary of being talked at rather than talked to.

Why Long-Form Podcasts Are Dominating

Depth Over Soundbites

One of the greatest strengths of long-form podcasts is their ability to provide depth. Traditional news, constrained by time and often interrupted by commercial breaks, has increasingly relied on quick soundbites and superficial reporting to cover complex issues. In contrast, podcasts dedicate hours to unpacking a single topic, ensuring a richer understanding for listeners.

For example, while a news segment on climate change might last three minutes, a podcast can explore its scientific, political, and social dimensions for over an hour. This level of detail satisfies audiences’ hunger for context and nuance, offering what mainstream news rarely can: a complete picture.

Authenticity Resonates

Podcasts thrive on authenticity. Unlike the polished, rehearsed demeanor of news anchors, podcast hosts often speak directly and candidly to their audience. Their unscripted style creates a sense of intimacy and trust, making listeners feel like they are part of a conversation rather than an audience being lectured.

This authenticity extends to the topics discussed. Podcasts are not bound by the editorial limitations or corporate interests that often shape news content. As a result, they tackle controversial or underrepresented issues with a boldness that traditional outlets frequently avoid.

Catering to Diverse Audiences

Podcasts cover an extraordinary range of subjects. From political debates to niche hobbies, there is a podcast for everyone. Shows like Timcast IRL and PBD Podcast tackle current events with varying ideological lenses, while others, such as Russell Brand’s Stay Free or The Rubin Report, delve into philosophical and cultural discussions.

This diversity ensures that listeners can find content tailored to their specific interests—something traditional news struggles to replicate. The ability to choose from such a wide array of voices makes podcasts an inherently democratic medium, fostering engagement from audiences who feel overlooked by mainstream media.

Flexibility for Modern Lifestyles

Long-form podcasts are designed to fit seamlessly into the busy lives of their listeners. Unlike traditional broadcasts, which demand undivided attention, podcasts can be consumed while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores. This convenience is a key reason for their success, especially among younger audiences who value multitasking and on-the-go access.

Additionally, podcasts are not bound by schedules or geographical constraints. Listeners can tune in from anywhere in the world, at any time, creating a level of accessibility that traditional broadcasts simply cannot match.

The Challenges Traditional News Faces

Declining Viewership

Prime-time news is witnessing a steady decline in viewership. Millennials and Gen Z are leading this shift, preferring digital platforms that allow for tailored, on-demand content. For these demographics, traditional broadcasts are increasingly seen as outdated and irrelevant, forcing networks to grapple with how to appeal to a digitally native audience.

Sensationalism and Bias

In their struggle to compete, many news outlets have leaned heavily into sensationalism. Stories are often framed with clickbait headlines, prioritizing shock value over substance. This strategy may boost short-term ratings but alienates viewers who crave meaningful and balanced reporting. The perception of bias further compounds this issue, driving audiences to seek out independent platforms like podcasts for more trustworthy content.

Failure to Innovate

Perhaps the greatest challenge for traditional news is its failure to innovate. While podcasts and digital platforms continuously evolve to meet audience needs, news broadcasts have remained largely unchanged. Without adopting more flexible, engaging formats, traditional outlets risk becoming relics of a bygone era.

Podcast Growth by the Numbers

Podcasting has experienced significant growth over the past decade, with notable increases in both the number of listeners and available content. Here's an overview of key statistics:

1. Listener Growth in the United States:

   • Monthly Podcast Listeners: In 2013, 12% of Americans aged 12 and older had listened to a podcast in the past month. By 2023, this figure rose to 42%. (Source: Pew Research Center)
   • Weekly Podcast Listeners: In 2013, 7% of Americans aged 12 and older had listened to a podcast in the past week. This number grew to 31% by 2023. (Source: Pew Research Center)

2. Global Podcast Listener Estimates :

   • In 2019, there were approximately 274.8 million podcast listeners worldwide.
   • This number increased to 333.2 million in 2020 and reached 464.7 million by 2023. Projections for 2024 estimate around 504.9 million listeners. (Source: Prioridata)

3. Number of Podcasts and Episodes :

   • As of June 2024, Apple Podcasts hosted over 2.7 million podcasts, up from 2.3 million in September 2021.
   • The total number of episodes available surpassed 95 million in June 2024. (Source: The Podcast Host)

4. Podcast Advertising Revenue in the U.S. :

   • U.S. podcast ad spending is projected to reach $2.56 billion in 2024, marking a 16.4% year-over-year increase.
   • By 2027, podcast ad spending is forecasted to reach $5.03 billion. (Source: Backlinko)

These statistics highlight the rapid expansion of the podcasting industry, driven by increasing listener engagement and a growing number of content creators.

The rise of long-form podcasts signals a profound shift in how society consumes information. These platforms offer depth, authenticity, and flexibility—qualities that traditional news broadcasts struggle to match. Podcasts have not only carved out their own space in the media landscape but have also challenged conventional outlets to rethink their priorities and adapt to evolving audience demands.

Once, all you had was a talking head on the "stupid box," delivering pre-packaged narratives with no opportunity for interaction. Now, you hold a computer in the palm of your hand, granting you direct access to podcast hosts. This connection enables viewers to ask questions in real time, fostering a sense of engagement and community that traditional broadcasts can’t replicate.

So, who’s at fault for this decline in trust and relevance? Somewhere along the line, news became too much like propaganda. A dash of propaganda has always existed, but when news devolves into pure opinion pieces—where facts take a back seat, feelings trump reality, and money is pumped into portraying a slanted view of a story—it opens the door to a plethora of problems. Audiences start to question motives, narratives, and credibility, driving them toward alternative platforms like podcasts that feel more transparent and inclusive.

The challenge for traditional news is clear: reclaim trust by prioritizing accuracy and depth over sensationalism and bias. While podcasts cannot entirely replace the investigative rigor of journalism, they’ve set a new standard for engaging, meaningful media. The question is not just whether news broadcasts can keep up but whether they can regain the trust they’ve lost and adapt to this transformative era of media consumption.