The 2024 U.S. election wasn’t just fought on debate stages, campaign trails, and social media—it played out in podcasts. Political shows surged in listenership, candidates embraced long-form interviews, and audiences turned to podcasts for deeper analysis that traditional media couldn’t provide.

This election confirmed what many already suspected: podcasting has become one of the most influential spaces for political conversation. But now that the votes have been counted, what’s next for political podcasting? And how will the lessons of 2024 shape the way creators approach big cultural moments in the future?

1. Audiences want real, unscripted conversations

Cable news thrives on quick soundbites, but 2024 proved that audiences want more than just viral clips. Podcasts gave candidates and commentators the space to explain, debate, and connect without a strict time limit—and listeners responded. Whether it was in-depth policy discussions or behind-the-scenes campaign storytelling, long-form audio and video content became a major player in shaping public opinion.

Moving forward, expect politicians, journalists, and content creators to lean even further into conversational, unfiltered formats that feel more personal than traditional media.

2. Independent creators are filling to trust gap

Public trust in traditional media has been declining for years, and 2024 was no exception. A recent Gallup poll found that only 32% of Americans trust mass media to report news fully, accurately, and fairly—one of the lowest levels in history. As skepticism toward major networks grows, audiences are turning to independent podcasters for perspectives that feel more transparent and unfiltered.

This shift isn’t just about politics. Whether it’s cultural analysis, economic trends, or deep-dive reporting, independent creators are stepping into a space that legacy media used to dominate. The result? Podcasts are no longer just an alternative—they’re becoming the primary source for how people process major events.

3. Podcasters are more influential than ever

This election showed that podcasters aren’t just reacting to the news—they’re shaping it. From candidate interviews to policy deep dives, podcasts gave people more time and space to engage with politics in a way traditional media didn’t.

For creators, this is a huge opportunity. Audiences want trusted voices to help them process big events, not just repeat headlines. Podcasters who build that trust now won’t just be part of the conversation during elections—they’ll be leading it long after.

Wrapping it up

The 2024 election was a turning point for podcasting. It cemented the medium’s role as a trusted space for deep discussion, alternative perspectives, and content that feels more real than traditional news. Going forward, podcast creators will need to think about not just what they’re saying, but how they’re presenting it—because in a world where media is shifting fast, podcasts have become a key player in shaping public conversations.