Ancient history is experiencing a renaissance in today's media landscape. Discover why history podcasts, books, and TikTok content are captivating audiences like never before. Explore how the convergence of social media and modern trends is fueling this fascination. There's also news about Getty acquiring Shutterstock and McDonald's affordable menu options. Join in as hosts dive into this cultural shift and examine what it means for the future of storytelling and education.
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Quick takeaways
The surge in history's media popularity indicates a shifting cultural interest towards the past, especially among aging demographics seeking narrative connections.
Platforms like TikTok and newsletters have expanded historical engagement, allowing casual audiences to easily access and share ancient history content.
Deep dives
The Resurgence of History in Media
History has seen significant growth in media popularity, transitioning from the confines of the classroom to the mainstream. Book sales for history have surged, particularly in the UK and Ireland, where 2023 recorded the highest expenditure on history books since 1998, with ancient history experiencing a remarkable 67% increase in sales over the past decade. In contrast, the overall book market in the U.S. remains flat, yet the history niche has seen a 6% growth year-on-year, surpassing political books for the first time during an election year. This trend highlights a newfound interest in history among the general public, resulting in increased demand for historical literature and media content.
Diverse Platforms for Historical Content
The expansion of historical content has reached various platforms beyond traditional books, including newsletters and social media. Newsletters have become increasingly popular, with some, like one by a Boston College professor, garnering over 1.8 million subscribers on Substack. Social media trends, particularly on TikTok, have also played a role with the 'Roman Empire' trend achieving over 85 million videos, showcasing the public's casual and frequent engagement with historical themes. Additionally, history-centered podcasts have thrived, with popular shows receiving millions of downloads, indicating a vibrant market for historical discourse and entertainment.
Factors Driving Interest in History
Several socio-cultural factors influence the current resurgence of interest in history. As the population ages, more individuals over 60 are seeking stories from the past, creating a demand for historical narratives. Furthermore, the rise of AI technology has prompted a shift toward the humanities, where people are drawn to the aspects of life and learning that AI cannot replicate. Lastly, with a decline in higher education enrollment in history, many individuals may turn to alternative ways to engage with their interest in the subject, such as through podcasts and films, thus filling a gap left by traditional academic paths.
History podcasts, books, newsletters and TikToks are ruling the media landscape. So why did it take so long for history to get its shine in today’s media climate and why are we seeing such a boom in its interest? Plus: Getty acquires Shutterstock and McDonald’s rolls out McValue meals this week.
Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Sara Friedman as they take you through our most interesting stories of the day.
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