Editor’s note (March 2023): we’re updating and expanding the article listing top podcasts for journalists and media managers, which was originally published in August 2022.

Podcasts are an established popular way to relax, learn something new or to catch up with the news. They are also a great medium to get behind the scenes of journalism, to find out new trends and developments in publishing.

There are several million podcasts in the world, and among them there are some great podcasts on a wide variety of topics about media, from business models to platforms and magazines. The Fix has compiled a list of 14 great media podcasts to follow – with recommendations for one episode you can start with. Of course, there are many more top media podcasts out there, and this list is far from exhaustive; we tried to balance different approaches, topics, and genres.

Do you know other media podcasts, especially those focused on Europe? Let us know at newsroom@thefix.media

People vs Algorithms

A new podcast by media veterans Brian Morrissey, Troy Young (we mentioned these two in our list of media newsletters to follow), and Alex Schleifer. It’s a classic 40-60 minutes talk on a list of issues such as AI, open web, media and platforms relationships, trends in journalism, and more. Expect a lot of stories from the podcasters’ work and great insights.

One episode to start with: People vs Platforms

The Business of Content

Practical-oriented podcast full of interviews with different publishers, from solo newsletter creators to podcast platform Libsyn or data journalism newswire Stacker. Simon Owens also publishes audio records of Zoom calls with experts and his paid subscribers, talking about building a B2B company or driving subscription revenue.

One episode to start with: Uncovered is building the largest community for true crime enthusiasts

The Media Podcast

Weekly British podcast mostly on news and trends around media in the UK, though events from around the world are also discussed regularly. Guest list includes journalists from biggest outlets as well as media professors and former ministers. Every episode usually has two or three guests, making it not a one-on-one interview but an interesting discussion.

One episode to start with: Journalism, waning or thriving?

RePod — European podcasting

Rare podcast on European media, focused on podcasting in this case. RePod host Alexander Damiano Ricci — editorial director of podcast production agency Bulle Media — interviews creators to discuss the news, trends, and innovations in this field on the continent.

The podcast was launched last November, and has already published an episode with The Fix contributor Dávid Tvrdo?. He discussed podcast metrics, subscription models and the state of the art of the Slovakian podcast market.

One episode to start with: Podcast-reach measurement in Europe. With Dávid Tvrdo? – Podcast Subscription Growth Specialist at Denník SME

The Media Show (BBC Radio 4)

Another British media podcast, this time from the BBC itself. Every episode contains a discussion with several guests, including the now-former Culture minister, professors, producers, and correspondents on a specific topic, mostly in the British context, but sometimes with a more global focus.

One episode to start with: Does the media report climate protests responsibly?

MagCulture

MagCulture launched as a blog in 2006, and has since developed into a multi-channel business about magazines — from a shop and consultancy to events and a podcast.

The podcast’s host Jeremy Leslie interviews people from across the industry on making a magazine. Every episode usually has a few guests from different magazines, and MagCulture is a great opportunity for them to show their new work and share some tips.

One episode to start with: Episode 31 • Liv Siddall, WePresent • Dave Calhoun, Time Out • Natalia Rachlin, Mother Tongue

The Digiday Podcast

Digiday is an online media for publishers and marketing specialists, and its weekly podcast features interviews with media managers, top creators, researchers, and marketing leaders.

The Digiday Podcast is most interesting for covering different financial models of the media business. Recent topics include “How Apartment Therapy’s Riva Syrop is pivoting its events business around the economic climat?” and “Why Semafor’s CRO Rachel Oppenheim is putting clients first while building an entirely ad-based revenue model”.

One episode to start with: Digiday’s top media trends to watch in 2023

Journalism.co.uk Podcast

UK-based outlet Journalism.co.uk was founded over two decades ago with a goal to cover digital news and how the internet shapes journalism. Its weekly podcast is one of the offerings.

The show speaks with newsroom leaders and media experts. Some of the most interesting episodes cover media innovations, from wearable technology in journalism to mobile-first newsrooms.

One episode to start with: Professional development tips, with ex-BBC journalist Dhruti Shah

Media Voices Podcast

Media Voices offers “a weekly look at all the news and views from across the media world.” The three hosts start each episode with recapping weekly journalism news, followed by an interview with an interesting media thinker or media leader.

One episode to start with: Can we stop the endless decline of trust in the media?

The Rebooting Show

Brian Morrissey, media expert with two decades of experience covering the media industry, hosts a podcast devoted to building and running sustainable media business.

Paired with Morrissey’s newsletter, the weekly show features interviews with top media managers like Time president Keith Grossman or Protocol president Bennett Richardson, as well as occasional media experts like Axios’ reporter Sara Fischer.

One episode to start with: Tangle’s Isaac Saul on non-partisan news

Recode Media

Available to listeners for a price of zero dollars, as host Peter Kafka likes to remind, Recode Media covers the broad topics at the intersection of media, popular culture, and technology.

Sometimes Recode Media brings an interview with a big name, like head of Instagram Adam Mosseri, but our favorite episodes are the ones that dive deep into the nuts and bolts of media management, like an interview with Jessica Lessin of The Information.

One episode to start with: “Resist trying to make things better” – a conversation with internet security expert Alex Stamos

The Powers That Be (from Puck)

This one is actually not a media podcast, but it does devote a couple of episodes per week to media.

Launched in 2021, Puck is a US-based outlet that made a bet on the subscription business, based on the strong personalities of its individual journalists who cover America’s power centers – Wall Street, Washington, Silicon Valley, and Hollywood.

Puck’s podcast, The Powers That Be, is daily and is built around discussions of the host Peter Hamby with other Puck’s journalists, including top editor Jon Kelly and media reporter Dylan Byers.

The podcast’s media themes are sometimes too repetitive – the hosts do love to talk about the decline of cable news – but it’s refreshing to sometimes tune out of formal business conversations and listen to some high-quality media gossip.

One episode to start with: The Media Succession Scandal of ‘23

Longform

Longform delivers on its promise of “interviews with writers, journalists, filmmakers, and podcasters about how they do their work” – and does it really well.

The hosts – the show has three, with each taking turns interviewing guests – get interesting people on the show, ask thoughtful questions, and receive insightful answers.

One episode to start with: Interview with This American Life’s founding producer Nancy Updike and Serial’s senior producer Jenelle Pifer

Media Insider (The Fix)

We at The Fix also have a podcast! It’s on pause now, but you can listen to the archives and subscribe so you don’t miss our future forays into audio.

Media Insider dives into the nuts and bolts of media management – product, business models, managing talent and leading organizational change.

One episode to start with: When memes come in handy: What publishers need to know to flourish on TikTok

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