Radio, Podcasts and Audio Production

This is the final of three posts based on an interview with Andy Duckworth, a multi-media producer at the Guardian.

He makes audio slideshows and the award winning Science Weekly podcast.

Before this he worked in radio. So we asked whether or not podcast production was different to radio production. He said they’re similar, but what you really have to think about is how they’re consumed, and different types of listeners.

He said good audio and structure are needed for both. But he said with podcasts, because they can be listened to a day, a week or even a year after they’re uploaded, you have to think carefully about versatility: will it go out of date fast? The community that listens to a podcast is also built around subjects like science, technology or politics, rather than around a geographical area like a radio station. (This is something discussed further in an interview with Marie Horner, Reprezent radio).

The Guardian creates podcasts purposefully for the web. This is different to many radio stations that just archive content already played out. In fact, at the Guardian it’s the other way around.

For over a month now, the Science Weekly podcast has been put out on the American airwaves. He said it’s uploaded to PRX.org and then public radio stations can buy, download and play it out on their stations.

Hear how other online audio producers approach production on our ‘Take it from the Experts’ page.

Or, to hear more of Andy Duckworth’s final comments, please listen here: