Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book brings together new scholarship that conceptualizes radio and podcasting, along with streaming and other audio technologies, as ‘soundwork: the entire sound-based complex of digital media’, so as to decentre – without ignoring – technological categorization, in favour of cultural forms and practices. It explores the extent to which elements of ‘liveness,’ considered radio’s distinguishing advantage over podcasting, can be remediated through format, notably the improvisational chatty style employed by the comedy podcast Hello from the Magic Tavern. The book examines a similar dynamic at Women-FM, a women-focused Nigerian radio station, arguing that such stations articulate and represent public identities along multiple axes of resistance and cooperation within larger social structures.