IT seems that 2021 was the year of the podcast -- a trend that's now even talking over television! With podcast fever showing no sign of waning, TV shows have decided to jump on the trend. So have podcasts become the ultimate way of making a series cool in 2022?
In the 1990s, Carrie Bradshaw wrote a weekly column, "Sex and the City," for the New York Star. Now, in 2021, the character played by Sarah Jessica Parker has abandoned print media, switching her Mac keyboard for a microphone as a podcast host in "And Just Like That," the sequel to the cult HBO series. Podcasts have been booming since 2019, backed by streaming sites like Spotify. And this new audio format is now becoming part of TV series themselves.
While Hollywood has drawn on podcasts to turn them into series like "Homecoming" on Prime Video or "Dirty John" on Netflix, the format itself is now working its way into the plot of shows. As is the case in the further adventures of Carrie Bradshaw on HBO Max, where the journalist enters this new world with its new codes.
The Hulu platform has also embraced the trend. The streaming site has made podcasting part of its comedy show, "Only Murders in the Building." The series -- starring a power trio of Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short -- sees the three main characters come together to launch a podcast to solve a murder in their building. A nice nod to crime podcasts, which are particularly popular with listeners worldwide. So forget "Friends," with characters who spend their time catching up over coffee at the Central Park. From now on, Friends make podcasts.
Television has also decided to update the plot of certain series to appeal to the new podcast-crazy generation. In the series "Chucky" on Syfy, one of the main characters, a high school student, hosts a podcast about the string of murders that occur in their town. Gone are the days of "Glee" with its singing high-schoolers, as in 2021, savvy students are taking the mic to lend their voice to a podcast. Much cooler, right?
Media outlets, celebrities and people from all walks of life -- not to mention streaming sites like Netflix -- have embraced this new format with growing enthusiasm. The world of podcasts has given new inspiration to the world of television, which continues to develop series inspired by podcasts and shows in the form of podcasts.
ETX Studio
Fri Dec 24 2021
In "And Just Like That," Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, co-hosts the "XYandMe" podcast, which discusses sex and relationships. - Photography courtesy of HBO Max
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.