Creating a podcast has never been more accessible. It’s a great, low-cost and modern approach to creating journalism.
Although your favourite journalists, comedians and creators may make it look very easy, there are a few things we suggest you consider before starting your own podcast.
Consistency is key
Like you would on any platform, your high quality content should be posted consistently.
It is important to keep uploading podcasts consistently as this is how they gain traction in a very saturated market.
By planning 10 episodes of your podcast you are making life a little easier for future you, making it more likely your podcast episodes will be released regularly.
Sometimes it will take a little time to get comfortable in a podcast environment. The only way to get over this is by continuing to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
During JournoFest 2025, Hanifah Rahman emphasised how practice made perfect in her own podcasting journey. We couldn’t agree more!
“It’s a marathon not a sprint.
“Keep putting those episodes out and you’ll see that things improve as opposed to trying over and over again until you get a perfect episode.
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Your target audience
Knowing who you want listening to your podcast means you can work to cater your content to that group more effectively.
This will help you understand more about what you want your podcast’s format to be, the general topics of discussion and will create a clearer vision of what the podcast will be.
How to effectively use social media
A key skill in the podcasting world is knowing how to navigate social media platforms to advertise your podcast on.
Marketing your podcast effectively and creating a brand image means you will get your work in front of the people you intend to.
To do this, you have to understand what parts of the episode will engage new listeners, how to edit into short form content like Tik Toks and how to post them in timely manner.
Plamedi Mbungu uses social media to research for his How to be a Journalist podcast.
“I’ve learnt that no interview will ever be the same and that if you do your research, talk your guest through the process, and find a common ground it is possible to build a great on-air rapport with any guest irrespective of their position in the industry.”
If you’re looking to polish your social media skills as a journalism, read more here.
@newsassociates_ The Sports Agents executive producer Adonis Pratsides shares a few of his top tips for working in sports media at JournoFest for ‘How to be a Journalist’ LIVE at the Twickenham Stoop 🎙️ #Journalist #NewPodcast #Producer #Podcaster #JournoFest #HTBAJ #fyp ♬ original sound – News Associates
Have a conversation without filler words
So it’s time to finally edit your first podcast episode. You plug in your headphones and hit play. You realise every sentence you say is peppered with an ‘ummm’. You are annoyed.
Don’t worry, using filler words is natural – we all do it! But when you’re recording yourself, it might make you seem unprepared and unprofessional.
A great way to practise this when you’re off air is to pause instead of using ‘um’ or ‘ah’. This will make you a more mindful speaker, making your delivery much more polished.
@newsassociates_ Did we just hear the name of the podcast 👀 Episode seven of ‘How to be a Journalist’ is out now on Spotify and YouTube 🎙️ Hear more from @PoliticsJOE junior political correspondent Laura Beveridge at JournoFest LIVE at the Twickenham Stoop ✨ #HTBAJ #PoliticsJOE #Politics #PoliticalJournalist #TeamNA #StartedHere #JournoFest ♬ original sound – News Associates
Plan your time
Whether you use a digital calender or carry your diary around, every podcaster needs to have a system of organisation.
Between scripting, planning, filming and editing, being a podcaster can be very time-consuming.
Having allocated times to work on the podcast means that you will never fall behind schedule and keeping you as consistent as possible.
How to be a Journalist podcast host Plamedi offered his words of wisdom about organisation too.
“Make sure to prepare every single facet of your recording as this will help relax you during recording.”
So now you know how to prepare before starting your own podcast!
If you’re still looking for more inspiration, find out about the best journalism podcasts to listen to.
Photo credit to @pixa1861 via Pixabay.