The changing shape and new economics of news podcasting: from listening to watching, from podcasts to shows

Report

This report explores the changing shape and economics of news podcasting. Audio podcasts are being transformed into video ones, personality-driven chat shows are squeezing out more traditional narrative series, and business models are shifting, with some shows going behind paywalls. At the same time, a range of third-party platforms are increasingly leaning into both video and audio podcasts through algorithmic prioritisation and new product features. This report explores how audiences feel about these changes and how news publishers are responding in terms of both content and business strategy. The report draws on qualitative audience research into preferences around different formats, as well as willingness to pay for podcasts – conducted in the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK) and Norway. It is also based on interviews with leading news publishers as well as podcast-first companies, representatives from industry platforms and business experts.

Authors: Newman, N

• Publication status: Published
• Publisher: Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
• Place of publication: Oxford, UK
• Publication date: 2026-05-07
• DOI: 10.60625/risj-ry6v-3990
• ISBN: 9781914566301
• Language: English
• Keywords: podcasts; video podcasts; audio; multi-modal; revenue; subscriptions