Podcasts are becoming popular with each passing day, and many people have asked about the exact difference between radio shows and podcasts. Both radio shows and podcasts produce content in audio form that serves to educate, entertain and inform the listeners. However, there is a difference between the two in terms of content production and broadcast medium. Here are some of these differences.
Live vs On-Demand Listening
Podcasters record, edit and upload their content on platforms such as Youtube, where the audience can access it when and if they need to listen to it by downloading or listening live. On the other hand, radio stations broadcast their content live, and one has to tune in to listen to a show or segment. Although some radio shows may be recorded, the content does not go through the editing process.
The Audience and Niche
The audience and niche is another key difference between radio shows and podcasts. While radio stations aim to create content that appeals to the masses, which covers different topics to increase listeners’ chances of tuning to the station regularly, podcasts have a niche orientation focusing on specific topics such as fashion, entertainment, or sports.
Regulations
In most countries, the rules and regulations governing podcast content are relaxed as opposed to radio stations and their content. Time constraint is another factor, because podcasters can produce content without worrying about the length, as opposed to radio shows, which run on a strict schedule.