PODCAST JOURNALISM

 

Learning to podcast strengthens young reporters' media and communication skills and allows to connect on a more nuanced and personal level with people affected by environmental issues in their community as well as with people who have in-depth environmental knowledge. 

want to test your podcasting skills? Join the Annual International Competition!

Podcast

Podcasts are like mini documentaries and could take the form of audio or audio/ video. They are based on news, events, history, facts etc., and use elements of direct observation, research, interviews, and documentation. For the International Competition Award only a 5-minute segment of the full podcast needs to be submitted to FEE.  

Podcast format

Documentaries with a non-fictional or fictional environmental theme told by a narrator. This format can be immersive but requires careful planning and scripting.

A Multi-Hosts Podcast is discussions between two or more students or experts create a dynamic flow of conversation and offer contrasting viewpoints.

An Interview Podcast can be interviews of environmental experts, activists, or community members affected by environmental issues.

A Solo Podcast is when a single host delivers the content, offering a flexible format for time management but requiring strong storytelling skills to keep the audience engaged.

Examples of Podcasts by Young Reporters

  • Description: Podcasts are like mini documentaries and could take the form of audio or audio/ video. They are based on news, events, history, facts etc., and use elements of direct observation, research, interviews, and documentation. For the International Competition, only a 5-minute segment of the full podcast will be assessed by the International Jury. 

    Format & Structure.  

    • Podcast must have a title of no more than 140 characters. 

    • Link to the full podcast alongside a mention of the 5-minute segment timestamp selected to be submitted to the International Competition  

    • Must be technically of good quality. This includes sound quality.  

    • Recommended that the 5-minute selected segment of the podcast is succinct and direct. Highlighting the focus and solutions posed in the full podcast.  

    • Podcast have various formats. They can firstly have 4 types of layout: solo podcasts, multi-host podcast, interview podcast or narrative podcast. Secondly, they can either be an audio-only podcast or visual podcast.

    Honest & Unbiased Reporting

    • Facts, statistics, and scientific information must be supported by credible sources. 

    • Any quotes used must be from real and credible sources. 

    • Sources / Resources used in the podcast must be cited in submission entry.

    • It is recommended that approximately 70% of the final podcast segment should be made up of students’ own original  voice recording and audio. If additional external audio is used (music, sounds effects, soundbites), the original author or source must be cited in the ‘References’ list in submission entry.

    • The podcast is a fair and truthful representation of reality, and the sound or recording has not been edited. 

    Constructive & Well-Rounded Perspective

    • Podcast segment should address the historical, economic, social, and/or political implications of the chosen topic through an environmental lens.  

    • Podcast segment should show the link between local and global events, issues, and/or phenomena.  

    • 5-min podcast segment should identify relevant and feasible solutions to the environmental issue(s) depicted full podcast.  

    Originality & Independence

    • The podcast is original in subject and/or scope. The student has picked a challenging and/or creative topic or has depicted a topic in a different and/or creative way.  

    • The participant has engaged in fieldwork and conducted research and interviews (either in-person or over the phone) outside of their school grounds. 

    Dissemination

    A total of 5 points may be awarded for dissemination through the following channels: 

    • Personal Sphere = 1 Point 

    • School Community = 1 Point 

    • National Operator Organization = 1 Point 

    • National Media (Newspaper, TV, radio) = 2 Points 

    Evidence of dissemination and Reference List must be submitted alongside the podcast entry on Exposure.

    NOTES

    2024/2025: All national winning podcast segments submitted to FEE will each be awarded the Gosia Luszczek International Podcasting Award

    **Note for National Operators: (audio or visual/ audio)- 1 entry, regardless of the age. All entries submitted to FEE will each receive the Gosia Luszczek International Podcasting Award.