Kevin Smith’s Take on the Evolution of Podcasting
Kevin Smith, known for his pioneering role in the podcasting world, recently shared his thoughts on the medium’s transformation with Fox News Digital. He feels that podcasting has, unfortunately, lost much of its original charm and creativity, primarily due to its focus on politics.
Since launching SModcast with friend Scott Mosier back in 2007, Smith has often referred to himself as the “Johnny Appleseed of podcasts,” aiming to inspire other creators to dive into the podcasting landscape.
Over the years, Smith has sensed a decline in the “intimacy” that podcasts once offered. It’s almost like they’ve morphed into yet another form of “traditional media.” He remarked, “When I got into podcasting, it felt like radio; now it feels like TV again,” which he finds perplexing. It seems like the potential for innovation has been overlooked.
Interestingly, Smith expected that podcasting would be dominated by discussions around pop culture and personal interests, so he was quite surprised to see the political focus take over. This wasn’t what he envisioned for such a versatile platform. “So many people decided to jump on the political bandwagon,” he lamented, adding that it’s disheartening to see the medium being used this way.
Still, he acknowledged that some people are profiting significantly from this shift, even if he personally detests it. Reflecting on the early days of podcasting, he noted that those who started out weren’t making much money at all—definitely not by today’s standards. Now, it seems the challenge for newcomers is to find a way to monetize effectively, although he’s not fully on board with how that’s being done.
Smith theorized that the strategy of pitting people against each other politically has become a tool to drive engagement. “People discovered they could use these platforms to create division, asking, ‘Do you hate this person too?'” he explained. He feels this technique borrows heavily from tactics seen in right-wing radio, which has been around for years.
He also reflected on a conversation with a business manager about how podcasting isn’t truly free, particularly considering the costs associated with server hosting. Once they understood that, it became clear they needed to find new ways to generate income. They began promoting past collaborations on their show and found it to be a success.
Smith recalled feeling enlightened upon realizing they were essentially following a model that resembled traditional media. “It’s a shame to watch podcasting regress to something akin to TV,” he noted. There was something liberating about the initial setup—being comfortable in pajamas and producing audio content from the heart. The current demand for visual components feels more like a return to the confines of television.
He’s concerned that podcasting, which used to feel accessible to many, is becoming less achievable as production standards rise. Smith predicts that in just a decade, it might not be something everyone can easily engage in.
Known for his works like Clerks and Dogma, Smith’s insights into the podcasting landscape aren’t just valuable—they’re a call to reflect on where this once-vibrant medium is headed.
