SciPod – New Scientist Podcast
With the use of iPods and other MP3 players on the increase, it is of no surprise that the science world has started using ‘Podcasts’ as a way of communicating science to the public. An example of a science magazine employing this method of communication is the NewScientist.com Podcast – or SciPod.
SciPod is a weekly podcast which is available for download on the New Scientist website. The programme consists of four or five pieces of science news which correspond to articles in the upcoming issue of New Scientist magazine - published the following day.
The informal style of the programme makes for easy listening and the language used make the more detailed aspects of the science easy to follow. The topics are often related to current issues, allowing listeners to learn more about subjects covered briefly in the news, such as climate change, obesity, etc. The variety of subject matter is broad, with different areas of science being included in each programme.
SciPod is an effective audio programme for communicating science to the public, in spite of the cheesy music and tag-lines such as “SciPod - it’s not just a podcast, it’s the very essence of happiness!” With specialist subject matter explained in layman terms and in digestible chunks of about 7 minutes per topic, SciPod is a good overview of the week’s science and technology news that engages the listener’s interest and may also encourage listener to pick up a copy of the magazine to found out even more, which, in my opinion, indicates that SciPod has successfully served its purpose as an effective form of science communication.
4 comments:
I'm interested that SciPod releases science stories the day before New Scientist does - presumably getting round embargoes. Does it break any big stories? And do you think this has an impact on its audience?
I had to stop listening to scipod because the presenter's wooden style annoyed me so much
I agree with Alice, the presenter's style does get a bit annoying, it reminds me of educational programmes I used to watch at school. But despite the style in which the podcast is presented, the content is interesting and concise too, and I think that this is the selling point of the podcast.
From the episodes I have listened to, I wouldn't say that any 'big' stories are included. The subjects covered are sometimes related to current issues, but I don't think that it is newspaper front page material. In terms of the audience, this might appeal more to young people, and those who are non-specialist. I would assume that those seeking more detailed, specialist information would look to Nature podcasts, rather than this one.
I also like the content, and kept listening for a few months because of it. But the female presenter's voice... she sounds like a robot!
A really interesting comparison is the SciAm podcasts, which are done in a much more engaging, light style. But their content (like Sci Am itself) tends to be slightly more intellectual than New Scientist, or at least assumes you are a scientist.
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