The allure of the radio, that device with buttons, antennas and static, has not ceased to captivate the listeners of the 21st century. In fact, it is kept more alive than ever with the revolution of the podcast.
The podcasta term adopted from English, is described as audio content released in an episodic series with common themes. Unlike radio, podcast episodes are not typically broadcast live and are designed to be listened to anytime.
In Ecuador, more and more people are betting on audio narrative. Digital platforms like Spotify, Youtube Y soundcloud They generate spaces to post podcast episodes that are available for download by users.
“The podcast is a very versatile format that allows creativity to be exploited and their way of consumption is as diverse as the people who listen to them”, says Christian Muñoz, general producer of tripeaa podcast production company that collaborates on several original projects.
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Tripea originated from the desire to give visibility to artists, musicians and other cultural managers. “We saw the need to create a platform for generate own content and Ecuadorians with the aim of entertaining in a creative way and leaving a cultural contribution that lasts over time and thus reaching more listeners”, explains Muñoz.
In addition, the producer considers it necessary to form a community of ‘podcasters’. “Being a new format, there are still many companies, organizations and people who do not understand the channel and the social, cultural and economic impact that this means of dissemination can generate”, he explains.
“It is important to generate a community of professionals who can collaborate with experience, knowledge and tools to continue consolidating the professional podcast industry.”
Christian Munoz
Ecuadorian podcasts
History with Wi-Fi
Would García Moreno have blocked TikTok in Ecuador? is the question they ask Johnny Manrique Y Leonardo Waldo in the first program of his podcast “La Historia con Wifi”, which seeks tell local stories adapted to social media times. His project, which debuted in December 2020, accumulates more than 30 episodes on Spotify.
Manrique, 32, says that the idea of creating a podcast was born from conversations with his grandmother that covered “many local stories from yesteryear.” “I couldn’t assimilate that there were grandparents with fantastic stories whose grandchildren were perhaps more focused on their cell phones than listening to them,” says the co-host of the podcast.
His process for each chapter, in addition to formulating the script, is to investigate. “We carried out in-depth research, including publications in newspapers and sources found in the Guayaquil Historical Archive, we enclosed current contrasts to take the listener to that moment in history with special effects and audio accessories”, explains Manrique.
some magic
Paola Velezcommunicator and presenter, also shares her passion for podcasts in her program called “Algo de Magia”, a project that combines themes from self help, mental health, wellness and astrology. “Having the opportunity to communicate and even more, to deal with emotional health issues, entails a great responsibility,” says Vélez.
His podcast is produced by Tripea, the production company that is in charge of the technical part: editing, musicalization, platforms and media. But together they plan the scheme and atmosphere of the project. “My part is entirely creative, I choose the themes, develop them, record, write and make the content for networks”, indicates the communicator.
According to Paola, the biggest challenge in running your podcast is advertising. “I know that it is mostly small businesses that are betting and believing in podcasts. We hope that in the near future this type of content that is organic and creates valuable communities will be promoted much more”.
“Algo de Magia” began in August 2021 and has released 12 episodes to date.
noisy conch shell
Behind the scenes of Ecuadorian music and artists has also proven to be a topic of interest for a podcast. Noisy Caracola, a program that brings together a community of listeners of various genreshas been presented as one of the strongest proposals in the country.
His style is described by Érick Mujica as “very informal but at the same time very responsible for culture, art, music”. According to the host, Ruidosa Caracola wants his episodes to be “an experience, more than just the host’s conversation with the artist.”
One of the factors that makes this podcast stand out is the component of the video, which allows the user to experience the conversation visually. According to Mujica, recording their episodes allows them to have one more tool for the public that also consumes YouTube and to be present on different platforms.
The production process for the Ruidosa Caracola episodes initially consists of a session to listen to and study the artist. “Our episodes are not edited, they are just as they were discussed at that time. There are explicit episodes, that is the theme, the naturalness of the conversation and the organic part”.
Mujica is currently in Argentina, where they are recording episodes to start the regionalization of Ruidosa Caracola. “Ecuadorian music will remain a priority, but we have already had contact with several artists from other countries and they enter the concept of noisy, of all genres,” said the driver.
The stages of producing a podcast
According to Christian Muñoz, producer of Tripea, the key to a podcast is to have a clear idea of what you want to transmit.
“What is the goal of the podcast? Inform, entertain, create visibility, educate? Depending on the format that is chosen, you can play with the setting, the tone, the music, among others, but beyond these variants it is important to have a clear structure to deliver that message or idea effectively”.
Once the idea has been developed, the three main stages continue: preproduction, production Y post production.
- Preproduction: At this stage the content and structure of the episode are conceptualized. The script is formulated and the invitation of the guests to the program is coordinated, if required.
- Production: It consists of recording the program with the sound equipment. It is recommended to have at least one good quality microphone for ideal podcast audio.
- Post production: It is at this stage where the sound effects, music, and audio are edited in specialized programs until the episode is ready to be released on the platforms.
The preparation of a podcast, if it is expected to have a lucrative project, must have contact with brands and companies interested in advertising a product.
“It is a challenge to sell this type of content, since it is not the traditional way to reach a mass market, but on the contrary, it reaches niche audiences”, mentions Muñoz. “At a commercial level, this is much more profitable for brands because each purchase that is generated from a podcast listening community is a recurring purchase since this audience is loyal to the program and its content,” he adds.
The producer of Tripea has some advice for people who want to start creating a podcast: transmit from passion and honesty. “This is the basis for a podcast to have the desired impact and reach because it is a very intimate format where the sound experience and content are married.” (AND)
Source: Eluniverso
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
