Media Releases
RNZ unveils new podcast section and audio player
Released at 2:01 pm on 3 September 2024
3 September 2024
From today, RNZ audiences will see and hear the benefits of an all-new podcast section and upgraded audio player that delivers greater functionality, making it easier than ever for audiences to enjoy RNZ’s impressive range of audio content.
RNZ’s Chief Technology Officer Mark Bullen said these are the first audience facing changes from a series of digital transformation projects across RNZ that are designed to improve audience experiences.
“RNZ is investing in modern technologies now to ensure the longevity of our services well into the future. Infrastructure upgrades across our operations will streamline our processes, increasing efficiency and content quality.”
New home for podcasts
The new Podcasts section, housing more than 100 RNZ podcasts, is equipped with curation tools which make it easier for users to enjoy RNZ’s substantial back catalogue as well as find new content reflecting their interests.
The new section not only looks nicer, with an aesthetically striking layout with colours and theming matched to the podcast’s artwork, it’s easier to use with a more prominent ‘play’ action and the ability to view podcasts organised by season or by year.
The new Podcasts section will also be deployed to the RNZ App over the coming weeks. Users will be able to update the RNZ app through their app store, following which they will see the new look and feel.
Listeners who prefer to use platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts or iHeart will see the new visuals carried through to their streaming service of choice.
Modernised audio player
The audio player across rnz.co.nz has also been modernised, making it simpler to use.
RNZ’s Chief Content Officer Megan Whelan said the new audio player enhances the quality of the audience’s listening experience.
“As the leader in audio content and public media we want to make sure the experience for our listeners matches the quality of that content and recognises the growing audience for on-demand audio content.”
The experience of listening to RNZ audio segments and livestreams will now happen in the same browser window rather than opening in a new one.
Users can now skip forward or back through any audio segment, and for audio clips can also change the speed of the audio they’re listening to.
In their listening queue, website users can reorder upcoming items.
Website users can review and replay or resume audio in their recently played history.
Visually, the audio player adopts a sleeker design. Website users will notice branding and more information associated with the station, programme and podcast they’re listening to.
In keeping with RNZ’s Charter to serve the public interest and provide freely accessible news and information, all changes have been reviewed by an accessibility partner. RNZ is working to enable a positive experience for those that require assistive technologies or otherwise have accessibility or usability needs that need accommodating.
Feedback is welcome as RNZ works to modernise its digital experiences.
Share your thoughts at RNZ Audience Feedback.
About RNZ Podcasts
Since the RNZ Podcasts department was formed in 2016, over 132 podcast series have been released, including 79 original series. RNZ’s storytelling and audio expertise has been utilised across many genres to connect with digital audiences on rnz.co.nz and platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart and YouTube.
With over 150 million podcast downloads and streams to date, 94 international and local awards and 47 partnerships, RNZ podcasts has 12 new podcasts currently in production promising a range of informative and entertaining content for Aotearoa audiences.
