2024 Is The “Podcast” Election
You may have seen the headlines—or perhaps you’ve heard them. We’re in the middle of a podcast election. Many are even saying 2024 is the "podcast" election. Presidential candidates are shifting away from the polished, soundbite-heavy interviews we remember from our parents' TV screens. Instead, they’re opting for comfy chairs and unscripted conversations with hosts who have a knack for loosening them up. They’re cracking jokes, telling stories, even getting a bit off-track—in the best way. It's political talk that feels less like a press conference and more like a late-night catch-up with an old friend. And this shift isn’t just refreshing; it’s powerful. Appearing on podcasts lets candidates connect in a more personal, unpolished, REAL way.
Tapping Into Trust
The numbers backing this trend are impressive. Edison Research shows monthly podcast listeners doubled since 2016, with almost half of Americans 12+ tuning in. And here’s the kicker: trust in podcast hosts is through the roof. A 2023 Deloitte study found 75% of listeners trust podcast hosts, often seeing them as more reliable than other news sources. That trust translates into influence—listeners are more likely to act on what they hear, whether it’s buying a product or seriously considering a political message.
Reaching Younger Voters
Podcasts are especially valuable this election for reaching younger, harder-to-engage voters. For a generation that’s cut the cable cord and doesn’t rely much on traditional news, podcasts are now a mainstay for staying in the loop. Edison Research and SXM Media report that 77% of people aged 13 to 24 have listened to a podcast, with nearly half tuning in monthly. For candidates, that’s a huge opportunity to connect with these listeners in a format that allows for deeper, more genuine engagement.
Community and Connection
Podcasts don’t just bring a microphone—they bring a sense of community and companionship. While social media can feel noisy and performative, podcasts invite listeners to sit down, lean in, and be part of a conversation. Kamala Harris recently highlighted that people today “really wanna know they’re seen and heard, and that they’re part of a community.” This is exactly the space that podcasts create: a place where listeners feel not just informed but connected, like they’re hanging out with familiar voices who “get it.”
The Stage for Political Messaging
As podcasts continue to grow in reach and influence, this campaign strategy isn’t going anywhere. The 2024 election has shown that podcasts aren’t just a trendy add-on to the media mix—they’re a serious stage for political messaging.
The Future of Campaigning
Looking ahead, podcasts might just be where the real conversations are happening, reshaping how we think about candidates, policies, and the power of direct, no-frills communication. So, if you’re wondering where to tune in for the next big political moment, grab your headphones—you might just find the answers in your favorite podcast feed.
Learn more about how podcast hosts instill trust among listeners here
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