Here’s why radio continues to thrive despite the podcast boom!

While enjoying fascinating world of radio, we try to understand this timeless relevance and why it continues to thrive even as podcasts rise in popularity.

Radio has been a powerful medium of communication for decades. It has been a shared experience, a background to everyday life, and a companion in moments of solitude. In rural areas, its significance is even more evident, where people gather at specific times to listen to their favorite programs, turning it into a community event rather than just passive entertainment. However, as technology changed, many traditional forms of media have been replaced or reimagined. In terms of radio, it's replaced by podcasts. Podcast offer control, personalization, and a big library of content that caters to niche interests. As a content consumer, I recognize their appeal, yet despite their convenience and variety, podcasts have never quite replicated the warmth, immediacy, and communal spirit that radio brings. While this may be a matter of perspective, the debate remains—do we still need radio in an era where podcasts seem to offer so much more? 

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Radio creates a sense of togetherness that podcasts often struggle to match, because apart from just playing music or sharing stories, it has always been about connection, and knowing that there are others listening and reacting to the same words at the same time. That reminds me of those late-night love and heartbreak shows—the ones where people called in to pour their hearts out, while the RJ listened with empathy and played them a song. The songs not only fit their emotions but also reminded us of a shared experience, something podcasts simply cannot recreate. No matter how heartfelt or well-produced a podcast is, it is ultimately a solitary experience, something you listen to alone, at your own time, without that real-time sense of being part of something.

When you listen to a podcast, you are in control. You also have the option to pause, rewind, fast-forward, or even skip parts you don’t find interesting. It’s not the same with radio where you lack that control. The excitement on hearing a familiar song in the background of a shop or a taxi you are in, feels more special than if you had just played it on an app yourself. It just means you discover things you might not have actively looked for. Whether that’s a song you had forgotten, a conversation that leads to a new thought, or even news that you wouldn’t have searched for on your own but turns out to be important.

Speaking of news, this is where the difference between the two really stands out. There is always a gap between the news you want to know and the one you should know. Podcasts allow listeners to choose content based on their personal interests. In contrast, radio, particularly local radio, provides stories and discussions that may not always be on people's radar but are equally important. This is especially true for smaller towns and villages where local radio stations focus on regional issues that matter to residents. This is difficult to replicate with podcasts, not just because of the format but also because many people in these areas are still unfamiliar with the concept of podcasts or don’t have easy access to digital platforms. While podcasts may be a great option for those who like curated and personalized content, radio still plays a huge role in informing, entertaining, and bringing people together in a way that is hard to replace. This isn’t just an India-specific thing as many countries have relied on radio during crises when other communication channels failed.  

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, FM stations became community hubs, broadcasting verified pandemic updates, government advisories, and even helping migrant workers connect with support groups. In smaller towns and rural areas, where internet access was limited, radio remained the most accessible way for people to stay informed. Many might argue that, since podcasts can be created by anyone, they carry the risk of being misleading if listeners aren’t careful about fact-checking or selecting the right sources. This is where radio holds an edge, standing as a more reliable source of information. Podcasts have certainly revolutionized the way we consume content, giving us in-depth explorations of niche topics, long-form storytelling, and a kind of uninterrupted focus that feels personal. But podcasts are an intimate experience, while radio is communal.

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Despite the tendency to compare the two, many believe they serve different purposes. Both have their place, and rather than replacing one another, they can coexist, each offering something distinct that the other cannot fully replicate.

What are your thoughts on the relevance of radio for today’s audience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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