True Crime is one of the most successful and fascinating genres in Podcasting.
Arif Noorani from the public Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Maria Lorenz from the production company Poolartists in Germany, and Sinead McHugh from the independent platform Mens Rea, Audioboom, discussed their experiences of true crime.
Arif said ‘do more’ and ‘have a larger purpose’ to stand out in the true crime landscape. What else can it do, other than simply tell a story? He said it needs to transcend the exploitation of true crime. He said that CBC look for unanswered questions to resolve, as their hosts are investigative journalists who want to make a difference.
Maria said that true crime podcasting can give a more rounded picture of criminals than quickfire TV documentaries. A listener gets to meet them and learn about them in more depth through hearing their voice across multiple episodes.
Sinead said that true crime makes people feel ‘safe and aware at the same time’ and said that she found a unique market in a world where a lot of American true crime series existed. She looks at one British true crime per 40 to 90 minute episode.
They all claimed that Serial started the true crime podcasting wave. But that there is still space for more true crime. Arif noted that historical storytellers such as Shakespeare used tension, plot, movement and discovery - much like true crime – and that it’s an old artform in a new sphere.
They talked about the guilt and responsibility around investigating true crime and exploiting crimes for public consumption. But Sinead rationalised it in that her focus is on human rights and reform – rather than sensationalism.
And they talked about monetising true crime. Sinead uses dynamic ads and patreon to produce Mens Rea – but says that making money from podcasts is a ‘slow grower but possible to make a living from’. Arif said that although money is not the central motivator, as a public broadcaster, they do take ads. And they also have had discussions about adaptions to TV, which brings the potential of funding.