Call for Papers for a Special Issue
Transformations in Audio Communication in the Podcasting Era: Genres, Narratives and Formats
Coordinators
· Raúl Terol Bolinches (Universitat Politècnica de València)
· Teresa Piñeiro-Otero (Universidade da Coruña)
· Emma Heywood (The University of Sheffield)
Presentation, Objectives and Thematic Lines
Throughout its history, radio has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience in the face of technological change. Digital convergence and the emergence of new forms of audio consumption, such as podcasting, have transformed the sector, ushering in the Age of Audification. With the aim of providing a comprehensive overview of current and future audio dynamics in the digital era, this special issue will explore transformations in sound media. Topics include the evolution of podcasting, practices in audio journalism, fact-checking in audio to counter disinformation, and the impact of artificial intelligence on audio tools. We invite researchers to contribute studies that enrich the academic debate and offer new perspectives on these issues.
Potential topics for the special issue include:
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Audio Journalism: Evolution and Emerging Professional Routines
Analyses of the transformation of audio journalism with digitalisation and media convergence. Emerging professional routines and profiles in the audio sector. Case studies on the adaptation of traditional journalists to the digital and audio landscape. -
Fact-Checking in Audio: Tools and Techniques to Combat Disinformation
Technological tools and methodologies for verifying audio content. Strategies to identify and counter disinformation in podcasts and radio programmes. Case studies on successful practices in audio fact-checking. -
Audio Genres: Used by Radio and Podcasting
Exploration of the various audio genres employed in radio and podcasting. Comparisons between traditional radio genres and new formats emerging in podcasting. Analyses of programmes and podcasts that have redefined audio genres. -
Innovations in Audio Storytelling: New Narratives in the Audio Realm
Podcasting as a transmedia extension of audiovisual productions. The rise of audiobooks and their impact on content consumption. From radio theatre to contemporary audio fiction. Writing techniques for the ear. -
Gender Issues in Radio, Podcasting and Audio
Analyses of gender representation in radio and podcasting. Studies on the participation of women and non-binary individuals in the production and direction of audio content. Initiatives and projects that promote gender equality in the audio sector. The impact of audio narratives on perceptions of gender and diversity. -
Audio as an Educational Tool: Radio and Podcasting as Pedagogical Resources
Strategies for teaching through sound. Case studies on the use of podcasts at various educational levels and their integration into university teaching.
Submission Format
Original articles must be submitted via the journal’s platform. All submissions must follow the journal’s guidelines: https://revistas.ucm.es/index.php/ESMP/about/submissions
Submission Deadline
The deadline for submissions is 10 January 2027. This special issue is scheduled for publication in April 2027. Under no circumstances will articles be accepted after the deadline.
Peer Review Process
All submissions will undergo double-blind peer review, in accordance with the journal’s policy, to ensure the quality and relevance of contributions.
Contact
· Raúl Terol Bolinches (Universitat Politècnica de València): rautebo@upv.es
· Teresa Piñeiro-Otero (Universidade da Coruña): teresa.pineiro@udc.es
· Emma Heywood (The University of Sheffield): e.heywood@sheffield.ac.uk
