The Podcast Counter-Narrative: Towards a Healthy European Public Sphere

The last presidential campaign in the United States highlighted this dynamic: the world of podcasts became a battleground for influence. Donald Trump, for instance, appeared on nine different podcasts in October alone. Joe Rogan, Tucker Carlson, Theo Von, Andrew Schulz, Lex Fridman... These are just a few of the dozens of individuals who have launched their own podcast platforms, positioning themselves as alternative or 'anti-media’ outlets, always eager to attack progressive values and ideas.
In Europe, how has this ecosystem evolved? From Europod to PRISA Media, along with numerous independent studios, the podcasting sector appears to serve as a platform for causes such as feminism, digital ethics, anti-racism, and environmentalism—positions diametrically opposed to those promoted by the podcasts that contributed to the U.S. president's victory. This raises questions about their impact and their ability to shape a European public sphere that defends the common good rather than undermining its principles.

co-curated with Europod

Host or Publisher European Lab