Suhail Khan
Changing trends or keeping up with trends is not a new norm in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. With each passing day, trends change, and the latest trend in the market is “Podcasts”.
It has been a year since the section of youth started competing with each other on social media by creating their own podcasts in Kashmir.
This trend has gained significant popularity and has become an avenue for young individuals to showcase their creativity and share their thoughts on various topics. These podcasts have provided a platform for the youth to express themselves and connect with a wider audience, allowing them to cultivate their skills in communication and content creation.
The Web Story/The Varmul Post spoke to individuals with a background in digital platforms regarding the current trend, Podcasts.
Mixed reactions were received from different individuals. Some appreciated the efforts taken by the youth in changing the social media scenario by starting their own Podcasts. However, others considered it an unwise decision with no promising future prospects.
In a long chat with The Web Story/The Varmul Post, Zuby, a journalism student, expressed her appreciation for people with a journalism background who are setting up their own podcasts. She believes that these individuals not only bring a professional touch to their podcasts but also provide valuable content to social media audiences, amidst the increasing presence of irrelevant content.
Zuby explained that a podcast is a digital medium that consists of audio or video episodes centered around a specific theme. The individuals who host podcasts are commonly referred to as “podcasters.”
She mentioned that while not all podcasts have the same objective, they generally aim to entertain. People may choose to listen to podcasts to gain knowledge on a particular subject, stay informed about current events, or simply for a good laugh.
However, Zuby also noted that the growing popularity of podcasts may potentially impact the true purpose of this medium.
She expressed concerns about the increasing number of people starting podcasts, as it may diminish the credibility of the platform.
Zuby further added that even established media platforms have begun to venture into podcasting. However, with the competition arising from individuals starting podcasts unnecessarily, she believes it will become challenging for these platforms in the future.
Recently, two friends from the northern region of Kashmir, Umar Dar and Asif Rather, who have a background in journalism, have established a digital studio. They believe that this studio will allow them to podcast and pursue their other professional work.
In an interview with The Web Story/The Varmul Post, the duo explained that their main aim was to secure their own future and utilize their skills for the betterment of society. They are confident that their venture will not only provide a platform for aspiring journalists, but also for those looking to make a career in the digital era. They believe that through podcasting, they can help young budding journalists grow and make positive changes in society.
The duo highlighted the importance of social media platforms in today’s technologically advanced age. They stressed that these platforms not only offer opportunities for a bright future, but also provide a chance to contribute and raise awareness for society. They firmly believe that podcasting can help individuals improve themselves, gain new opportunities, and contribute towards creating a positive and successful society.
Another journalism student, Tajamul Rather, believes that podcasters in India have a good reach and are able to engage people in discussions beyond just entertainment, personal life, education, online trading, and entrepreneurship. They provide informative content that the public always wants to know.
Tajamul stated that previously, people were stuck with regular news updates, but podcasts offer a different taste beyond just news.
He shared that in his recent podcast, he covered the journey of an entrepreneur from North Kashmir. The entrepreneur may not have been an important subject, but the podcast focused on their success story and how they became an example for thousands of youth who struggled with limited resources in their careers.
The purpose of my podcast was to share motivational information, especially targeting the youth, who are always looking for opportunities. He mentioned that podcasts gain popularity when high-profile influencers and celebrities join forces with podcasters, giving the platform a boost in India.
Tajamul acknowledged the challenge of attracting people amidst the increasing trend of digital influencers on social media. However, he highlighted that podcasts are receiving positive responses, as people happily accept the change, considering the widespread use of smartphones.
Shafat Malik, a young journalist, told The Web Story/The Varmul Post that the internet’s rise in journalism has disrupted the traditional media’s reputation for being inaccurate, biased, and spreading falsehoods. In the past, only a few well-known anchors and radio hosts had significant influence, while most journalists remained unknown. Nowadays, journalists can quickly gain prominence and build an audience that competes with established brands.
Syed Rizwan Geelani, a journalist with over 12 years of experience, told The Web Story/The Varmul Post that podcasts are yet to establish a market in Kashmir, particularly in the media sector.
Only a few media platforms have started incorporating interviews. He believes that if the number remains limited, not only will the market improve, but podcasts can also serve as a valuable medium to contribute to society.
However, Geelani expressed concern that people in Kashmir often engage in unnecessary competition, which can harm their credibility.
He further emphasized that if some organizations have already covered the interview part, others should explore different approaches to maintain the value and find new ways to contribute to society.
The Web Story/The Varmul Post interview ed many young social media influencers, journalists, vloggers, and bloggers who expressed a perspective against the bright future of podcasts.
Some argue that podcasts may not have a promising future due to the overwhelming saturation of audio media content. With countless podcasts vying for attention, it is becoming increasingly difficult for new shows to gain traction and build a dedicated listener base.
They also mentioned that the industry’s reliance on advertising revenue presents challenges as advertisers often prioritize larger, more established podcasts over emerging ones. These factors contribute to a highly competitive landscape, casting uncertainty on whether podcasts can sustain long-term success.
Can the rising trend of podcasts really become fruitful in Kashmir, or will it be just a passing craze like the previous obsession with DSLR cameras and iPhones, especially among the well-educated population?
