This week I’ve been listening to a lot of different podcasts and audio works to get a better idea of how the medium can be used and I’ve found it really interesting trying to analyse the works, determining whether each scene or area is better off being in the audio medium or whether it needs a visual.

I focused mainly on the ‘Serial’ podcast which is one of the most successful podcast/audio documentary, trying to analyse why exactly creator Sarah Koenig chose to display these stories through sound alone and not in a more traditional true crime documentary that are so prevalent.

There were definitely areas of the series where I felt it would’ve been good to be able to see this scene and not be limited to what I can hear. Overall though the series had a really intimate feeling to it, due to the nature of it being a purely audio medium which I felt really amplified my interest in what was being said, not being distracted by any visuals. Another aspect I felt was interesting was how removing any visuals in a true crime documentary forced the listener to rid themselves of any prejudices they may have on the individuals involved in the case, whether that be race, gender, age or class. This is something that can be used really powerfully I think and it really makes me wonder how some really public trials and crime cases would have been perceived if all we as an audience had to work with was audio.

 

“The most gruelling edits tend to be on the stories that are the most mediocre. The most work goes into saving a weak idea.” – Julie Snyder