Technology makes it easy for anyone to create a podcast. This accessibility is both a strength and a challenge. Academic researchers, independent scholars, and marginalized voices use podcasts to participate in public discourse. Technical how-to information is easily found online, but podcasters wishing to practice their craft in an ethical and responsible way are often left to handle complex situations on their own.
Ethical podcasting certification helps creators navigate the rapidly evolving digital media landscape. Displaying this certification also helps listeners identify trustworthy podcasts amidst increasing mis- and disinformation.
This is a voluntary certification to identify podcasts that follow ethical best practices. The certification framework consists of three components:
- Best practices for ethical podcasting, developed collaboratively with a diverse working group of podcast creators, listeners, and academic experts;
- Educational materials for podcast creators and listeners to explore the nuances of ethical podcasting practice and the impact of emergent technology, such as artificial intelligence; and
- A digital badge to identify podcasts using the best practice guidelines.
Get involved!
The working group, launching fall 2025, will bring together independent podcasters, podcast industry professionals, listeners, and academic experts to discuss the intricacies of ethics in podcasting and to develop best practice guidelines. Join the conversation now.
Project PhDcast 