Why It's Time for an Audio Journalism Course

By Kyle Arjoonsingh

In recent years, journalism has taken a major turn, not in the direction of flashier headlines or shorter attention spans (although those are up for debate), but in the way stories are told. We have diverted into the age of audio journalism.

From The New York Times to The Daily and with NPR’s ever-expanding slate of news and culture programming, audio journalism has become more than just an add-on. It is a core part of modern media strategy. Podcasts are no longer the spontaneous passion projects people launched during the pandemic out of a need for connection. These professional platforms reach millions of listeners daily and shape the public conversation as much as any front-page article. Maybe it is because fewer people enjoy reading these days – or maybe audio offers a level of convenience that print cannot compete with. Regardless, the shift toward auditory media is undeniable.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, traditional journalism roles are on the decline – but that doesn’t necessarily mean the field is fading. It’s changing. Audio journalism might be part of what keeps it alive. With more audiences tuning in to podcasts and on-the-go storytelling, there’s growing interest in audio formats as a fresh way to engage the public and adapt to evolving media habits. So, why isn’t audio journalism taken as seriously as print or video when it comes to curriculum? Have universities just not recognized its impact yet—or are they still playing catch-up while the industry moves ahead?

It's time for Adelphi to tune in and create a course that prepares students to tell powerful stories through sound — and thrive in such a changing industry as journalism. Photo by Rawpixel

Imagine a classroom where students learn to build stories for the ear: scripting narratives that engage, conducting interviews that sound natural, and editing audio that feels immersive. The course could cover technical skills like mic placement and sound design but also dive into journalistic ethics in the podcast space, how to monetize audio content, and even how to pitch to existing outlets.

It’s not just about storytelling – it’s about employability. As major publications invest in their audio departments, having even basic podcast production skills can set young journalists apart. Many students already produce their content, but a structured course could take that interest further – preparing them to work in newsrooms, public media, or even as independent creators.

Adelphi’s journalism offerings are strong, especially for a school of its size. But to stay competitive – and relevant – it’s worth looking at what students need not just to graduate but to thrive in an ever-changing media landscape. Let’s give them a chance to be heard, literally.