Formats: Pros and Cons ~ Part 2

Let’s continue with our look at some of the different podcast formats, shall we?

Formats 1 to 4 have been covered here.

  1. The Solo Show
  2. The Interview
  3. Panel/Roundtable Show
  4. The Co-Host/Conversational/Ramble and Rant Show

Now to the next four possibilities:

  1. True Story

Pros

Material is available.

Content can be easily created.

Bit of a “thing” at the moment.

Cons

Can be subject to libel.

Editing and interviewing can be complicated.

Flavour of the month can change.

  1. Story

Pros

This is THE human characteristic.

Scope for creativity.

Can be done solo or with a team.

Cons

Can easily be done poorly.

Is not an automatic skill.

Requires greater planning and coordination skills.

  1. Audio from other sources

Pros

Content already created.

Can be a synergistic process.

The group effect~the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Cons

Possible copyright violations.

Finding sources and gaining permissions can take a lot of time.

Collages can feel clunky and forced.

  1. All of the above.

Pros

Using a combination of styles to best match the content.

No rules ~ this is podcasting ~ we make our own rules.

A story’s many levels can be revealed with skill.

Cons

Can be an “all over the place” experience for the listener.

Listeners, as most humans, find consistency comforting.

The show can be directionless.

Takeaways:

  • Think carefully about your circumstances.
  • Do you have the time to create constantly?
  • Why are you using a particular format?
  • Does the format allow you tell your story?
  • What will the listener experience be?

 

Contact Jon: 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonmoore/

or email at: jon@mrjonmoore.com