Comedian podcasters changing the comedy scene through the podcast medium

Abstract

The particular aim of the current thesis is to shed light on the liberating nature of podcasts as an innovative medium, and its effect on the comedy scene. Ultimately, it is suggested that podcasting is an emerging form of new media that shape the comedy scene, through exemplifying the impact of comedian podcasters on the new and niche audiences. In this thesis, the social and technological impacts of comedian podcasts will be studied by examining the emerging relationship between podcasts and other forms of new media through literature review and case study. The particular focus of the paper is examined in relation to the career of Joe Rogan, the host of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Through this examination, it is discussed how new generation comedian podcasters are challenging the conventional understanding of corporate-managed media with independent, self-produced and accessible broadcasts. It is further argued that the authenticity and the wide array of topics offered by these podcasters allow for a greater impact that major networks usually fail to obtain, arguably due to their artificial outlook, and lack of inclusiveness in terms of opinions and people.