Join Tom Fox as he explores the world of podcasting and get ready to be inspired to start your own podcast. In this episode, Tom visits with Podcasting HoF member Rob Greenlee to explore podcasting as hyperlocal media.
Rob and Tom discuss how technological change has weakened traditional local media and created tension and opportunity across generations, arguing that local “breaking news” is limited while unmet needs center on community-driven content—local events, civic initiatives, municipal policy, and local businesses. Referencing CityCast, Rob notes stronger traction in medium-to-large metros and challenges in small communities as national media satisfies many general needs. They explore podcasting and short-form video as an additive, multi-platform strategy for local engagement and targeted marketing, sharing examples of helping local businesses replace costly newspaper ads with podcasts, clips, and FAQs, including a stump-grinding operator who won a $3,000 job after sharing an episode. They also emphasize preserving institutional memory and personal histories, describing a podcast-based autobiography project that became a book appreciated by the subject’s family. They conclude that while economics and scale are hurdles, AI may improve viability for niche and rural models.
Key Highlights
Community Content Gap
- Demographics Drive Strategy
- Defining Community
- Saving Local Stories
- Podcast Autobiographies
- How To Build Rural Niches
Resources
Rob Greenlee on LinkedIn
Podcast–The New Media Show
Artwork
Elaine Capers
Tom