Mar 3, 2025 | News
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A Symposium entitled: Beyond the Airwaves: How Independent Podcasting Contributes to Peacebuilding in Society

Today on (March 3, 2025) in the presence of the university president Prof. (Dr. Zeravan Abdulmohsen Asaad) also in the presence of the head of departments and lecturer a symposium entitled (Beyond the Airwaves: How Independent Podcasting Contributes to Peacebuilding in Society), was presented by (Asst. Prof. Ahmad Abdulkareem Shaban) from the  Public Education department , Where it has been explained about, examines the role of independent podcasting in fostering peace in society, highlighting its democratizing potential compared to traditional broadcasting. The study explores podcasting's distinctive ability to bridge divides through participatory storytelling, fostering empathy and understanding. Grounded in views of participatory culture and peace-building, the research highlights how podcasting amplifies marginalized voices and facilitates constructive dialogue on complex societal issues. Unlike traditional broadcasting, which often relies on singularly oriented discourses, podcasting operates within a flexible digital framework, enabling personalized and on-demand content that challenges mainstream discourses and nurtures subcultural communities. This study sheds light on the empowerment that podcasts provide in reclaiming and sharing narratives, and how podcasts serve as a critical medium for collective memory, encouraging open discussions on pressing issues such as inequality and discrimination. This paper positions podcasting as a transformative force in reshaping media landscapes, advancing social cohesion, equity, and inclusivity in an interconnected and diverse global society , At the end of the symposium The analysis of the three sample podcasts highlighted the role of independent podcasting in promoting peacebuilding through participatory storytelling, inclusivity, and fostering dialogue. which are include: 1. Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Podcasts like "How Can We Use Our Voice to Build Peace" emphasize the importance of giving a platform to voices that are often overlooked or silenced. Speakers highlighted how using one's voice can challenge societal norms, address injustices, and advocate for marginalized communities. This aligns with McHugh’s (2019) findings on podcasting as a space for amplifying underrepresented narratives and promoting anti-racism. 2. Encouraging Dialogue and Understanding: Podcasts such as "The Path to Peace" explore peace as a multifaceted concept, starting from personal harmony and extending to societal and national levels. Discussions highlighted the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in resolving conflicts, fostering understanding, and building a culture of peace. This resonates with Lindroos’s (2020) emphasis on local narratives and context-specific solutions. 3. Freedom and Self-Expression: The podcast "Freedoms Podcast" explores freedom as an internal state, highlighting the tension between societal norms and personal autonomy. The discussion revealed how individuals can redefine freedom to align with personal values while respecting societal diversity. This mirrors Bonini’s (2022) perspective on podcasting as a hybrid cultural form that bridges personal and collective identities. 4. Participatory Culture: Across the analyzed episodes, participatory culture emerged as a cornerstone of podcasting’s success. The use of interactive features such as social media and real-time feedback allowed creators to engage deeply with their audiences, fostering trust and collaboration. This aligns with Jenkins’s (2006) emphasis on participatory media as a transformative force. • Recommendations Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed to enhance the role of independent podcasting in peacebuilding: 1. Expand Accessibility: Efforts should be made to improve access to podcasting tools and platforms, particularly in underserved regions. This would allow more individuals to share their stories and contribute to peacebuilding dialogues. 2. Support Local Content Creation: Encourage the production of locally relevant content that addresses specific cultural and societal issues. This ensures that podcasting remains inclusive and context-sensitive. 3. Promote Education and Training: Provide training programs for aspiring podcasters on technical skills, storytelling, and ethical content creation to enhance the quality and impact of podcasts. 4. Foster Collaborative Networks: Develop networks that connect podcasters, activists, and peacebuilding organizations to amplify their collective impact. 5. Leverage Technology for Engagement: Integrate advanced technologies like AI-driven analytics to understand audience preferences and improve content delivery.