Remember when people used to get their news and learn about upcoming events and the latest trends exclusively from newspapers, magazines and TV?

Enter the World Wide Web or what is now referred to as the Internet. This was followed by social media. Today, about two-thirds of U.S. adults say they get news at least sometimes from news websites or apps (68%) or search engines, like Google (65%), according to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center. More than half (53%) say they get news from social media, and a smaller portion say they get news at least sometimes from podcasts (22%).

Over the past decade, podcasts have seen a steady rise in growth and popularity. These are the most popular podcast genres in the U.S. according to Statista:

• Comedy
• Social and Cultural
• Health and Fitness
• Arts & Entertainment
• Education

At the top is the Joe Rogan Experience, which I would be remiss not to mention. It is one of the most talked about and consumed media products on the planet. Many millions of people subscribe to this podcast to hear what Joe Rogan is saying. 

Clearly, podcasts can help you build a personal and authentic connection with your audience. Each podcast episode gives you an opportunity to share your story, build familiarity and change perceptions. For Escambia County Public Schools, podcasting is the place for people to hear the positive stories in education that don’t make mainstream news. 

With the debate about education raging nationally, the podcast series Voices United in Education shines a light on all the innovative and phenomenal things happening here in Escambia County Public Schools. Contrary to traditional earned media strategies, it is helping the local public school system to broaden and sustain the conversation, and get the whole story told. It’s a town square where the community gathers and unites together by talking about our children’s education. Hosted by local podcaster Meredith Edwards, it’s turning the page and starting a new chapter—one focused on the facts and the future.  Every week, listeners get to hear from teachers, parents, students, staff, mentors and administrators about what is actually happening in the classrooms and beyond to help every student succeed. 

But, it goes even further than that. It’s a place where their voices can be heard. We encourage all listeners to submit podcast topics and invite them to be guests on an upcoming episode. 

The first published episodes featured a popular bus driver and Tik-Tok star, teacher of the year, scholarships opportunities, free mentoring, cultivating leaders, balancing screen time, Parent University and career-focused education.

The Voices United in Education podcast launched in the fall of 2022. While we haven’t reached the millions of people who subscribe to the Joe Rogan Experience —yet. Our podcast has more than 1,500 downloads in less than 90 days and climbed to the 65th ranked education how-to podcast in the country.

Want to hear more and learn more about the landscape of public education in Escambia County Florida? You can find these episodes on Spotify and Apple podcasts, or you can subscribe at voicesunitedineducation.com.