Podcast Hosts Ask Their Listeners to ''Try A Pod''

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 23, 2017

For the first time, podcast publishers have joined forces to introduce new audiences to the medium. During the month of March, the hosts of hundreds of shows including "Stuff You Should Know," "Planet Money," "Missing Richard Simmons," and "Crimetown," will encourage listeners to introduce a friend, relative or co-worker to a new podcast, and, show them how to listen if they don't know how. Listeners will be asked to share stories of why they listen and their favorite podcasts using the hashtag #trypod.

According to Edison Research, one in five Americans listened to podcasts every month as of early 2016 -- a number that has grown by double-digits for five years. Even though podcasts are growing quickly and are available in more places than ever before, some people still don't know how to listen or where to start. Informally led by NPR, industry leaders including ESPN, HowStuffWorks, Pineapple Street Media, Midroll and WNYC Studios are working together to show new audiences how easy it is to listen.

"People come to podcasts for information and analysis to make sense of the world around them, to be entertained by excellent storytelling, to laugh and experience wonder," said NPR Senior Director of Promotion Israel Smith.

"As podcast fans are such loyal listeners, it makes great sense to reach out to our collective audiences, urge them to connect with friends who haven't yet caught the podcast bug, and share what makes their favorite podcasts so meaningful in their lives," added Radiotopia Executive Producer Julie Shapiro.