Ninety-Three Counties: Podcasting to Address the Expanding News Desert in Nebraska

Authors

Ramey Vachal, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

Spring 3-30-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

Vachal, Ramey. Ninety-three Counties: Podcasting to Address the Expanding News Desert in Nebraska. Undergraduate Honors Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 2022.

Comments

Copyright Ramey Vachal 2022.

Abstract

The rise in popularity and influence of podcasts shows great potential for the medium, especially in conjunction with changing technologies and an increased reliance on time shifting. This analysis explores how audio reporting in the form of podcasts can be used to address the expanding news desert in Nebraska. To implement this strategy, I assisted in the conceptualization, design and production of the first stages of 93 Counties, a podcast with episodes focused on each county in the state. Ultimately, the format of 93 Counties is successful in motivating student journalists to seek out rural stories on topics that are typically underreported. In addition, this project has potential for connecting residents across the state and rebuilding trust in the media, which has been on the decline.