The Subaltern Does Speak: Some Thoughts on Podcasting

The first time I experienced a "podcast" was when a local magazine in New Jersey started podcasting. I listened to see what could possibly be on this: music reviews, interviews with bands, music. Interestingly enough, the producer of the show had turn his podcasting instant into a moment where he became disc jockey, producer and radio station owner. Because what he was simulating was a radio station but with his choice of song, his choice of what he believes to be relevant.

Clear channel look out.

This is another instance where from a technological perspective the "subaltern speaks" –– in other words, where the majority of people who participate in radio are placed in the position of the receiver and can not interact in the development of the medium are given or (forced) a voice . Podcasting gives the otherwise passive listener the reverse role of creator and distributer. Of course the small "podcaster" can't compete with the large monolothic radio rulers, mostly owned by Clear Channel.

Most of taste in music and culture for that matter is largely dictated by large corporations who are selling and marketing products for a profit. It would be interested to hear a radio station that is free of the misogyny and sexism of current stations, rock or rap.

So podcasting becomes method for people who are disenfranchised by corporate to not only speak to a specific audience of their liking but is, more importantly, speaking indirectly to the big media bosses. When a podcast like the one I mention earlier begins playing indapendant music the podcaster is proclaiming what he/she thinks should be played for an audience.

Podcasting provided a mode of self-expression that possibly hasn't existed before. Sure, shortwave radio stations existed before and IF you had microphone and the technology could you send a broadcast over very limited airwaves. These shortwave broadcasts were also limit by geography and how far the antennae could reach.

Podcasting can reach unlimited numbers of people as long as it is on the Internet .
From this perspective, anyone can really have a podcast. The first reading this week was actually very helpful for people who would like to do this because I can imagine there being a lot talking out there with no organization, or rambling. The reading emphasized to the future podcaster that you must have organization and more importantly, less implicity, a mode of address to your podcasting.

An interesting development will be to see the future of podcasts and whether some will rise from the fiber-optic wires of the internet to be a voice of the people in this new medium that can not and won't be ignored by corporate medium