Rebecca Lavoie, co-host of Crime Writers On..., and Jonquilyn Hill, WAMU journalist and creator of Through the Cracks, discuss the appeal, pitfalls, and opportunities of true crime podcasts. They also explore Hill's new project, Through the Cracks, which challenges the fundamental mechanics of true crime. The discussion covers personal connections to the genre, the uncomfortable relationship with true crime, exploring societal gaps, challenges in investigative podcasting, and aspirations for the genre.
True crime podcasts have faced snobbishness and a branding problem due to their popularity among women, highlighting the need for more diverse voices in the genre.
Storytelling in true crime has powerfully shaped the genre, influencing other forms of media like documentaries and TV shows.
Deep dives
The Appeal of True Crime and its Evolution
The podcast episode explores the appeal of true crime as a genre and how it has evolved over time. The hosts discuss their personal relationships with true crime, with one host confessing a fascination with law and order-type shows, while the other expresses concerns about the portrayal of policing in true crime content. They also highlight the impact of influential podcasts like Serial in shaping the genre. They discuss how true crime is often associated with entertainment and how it has faced snobbishness and a branding problem due to its popularity among women. The hosts also touch on the importance of addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system through true crime storytelling.
The Power of Storytelling in True Crime
The podcast delves into the power of storytelling in true crime and its ability to captivate audiences. The hosts discuss the engaging narrative structure of true crime podcasts, which often follow an arc that keeps listeners eagerly anticipating the next chapter. They note that this storytelling approach has influenced other forms of media, such as documentaries and TV shows. The hosts also mention the importance of transparency in storytelling, highlighting the work of In the Dark as an example of a true crime podcast that immerses listeners while being journalistic in nature.
The Impact and Criticisms of True Crime
The episode explores the impact and criticisms of the true crime genre. The hosts discuss how true crime content can shed light on wrongful convictions and expose flaws within the criminal justice system. They mention advocacy podcasts that have successfully contributed to getting people out of prison. The hosts also acknowledge the guilty pleasure aspect of true crime and how it can create discomfort, especially when it commodifies crime. They address the classist and gendered snobbery associated with true crime and emphasize the need for more diverse voices in the genre.
The Future of True Crime
In this final segment, the hosts discuss their hopes for the future of true crime. They express the desire for more high-quality investigative podcasts, with larger studios committing to fearless storytelling and deeper journalistic investigations. The hosts emphasize the importance of resources and support from news organizations and podcasting companies to produce impactful and well-researched true crime content. They also encourage more journalists to embrace the genre, recognizing the investigative skills involved in true crime storytelling and its potential to educate and engage listeners.
True crime podcasts are some of the most popular and profitable shows being made, despite (or perhaps because of) its occasional ethical queasiness. This week: a roundtable discussion with Crime Writers On…’s Rebecca Lavoie and WAMU’s Jonquilyn Hill about the appeal, pitfalls, and opportunities of the genre. They also talk about Hill’s new project, Through the Cracks, which both draws from — and challenges — the fundamental true crime mechanics.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
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