A survey of listeners' perceptions of an extension-produced invasive plant podcast

Christine L. Krebs; Jamie L. Loizzo; Candice Prince; Jason Ferrell

doi:10.37433/aad.v5i3.457

Authors

Christine L. Krebs University of Florida, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9278-3388
Jamie L. Loizzo University of Florida, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5575-2918
Candice Prince University of Florida, USA
Jason Ferrell University of Florida, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v5i3.457

Keywords:

dialogic model, science communication, biodiversity, Florida

Abstract

Science communication and university Extension initiatives are evolving in response to society’s needs and an ever-changing digital landscape. The UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP) has recently launched a podcast called Working in the Weeds (WITW). We surveyed podcast listeners to find out their motivations for listening and asked for their feedback on current episodes and future content. The survey revealed that a majority of respondents were individuals who work in the world of invasive plants. Many respondents were introduced to the podcast through work and listen to learn more about relevant research and information, to feel connected to the Center, and to be entertained. Overall, the respondents were satisfied with the podcast production elements and the variety of episode styles. Based on open-ended responses, listeners described that the podcast shares science in a meaningful way and the Center should continue producing episodes that highlight invasive plant research. Some respondents suggested future episodes should cover specific invasive plants, environmental impacts, herbicide use and safety, management techniques, and social issues surrounding invasive plant management.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Besley J. C., Dudo A., & Yuan S. (2018). Scientists’ views about communication objectives. Public Understanding of Science, 27(6), 708–730. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963662517728478

Cambridge University Press. (2023). Podcast. Cambridge Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/podcast

Chivers, C.-A., Bliss, K., de Boon, A., Lishman, L., Schillings, J., Smith, R., & Rose, D. C. (2021). Videos and podcasts for delivering agricultural extension: Achieving credibility, relevance, legitimacy and accessibility. The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 29(2), 173–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224x.2021.1997771

Edison Research & Triton Digital. (2021, March 11). The infinite dial 2021. The Infinite Dial Reports. https://www.edisonresearch.com/the-infinite-dial-2021-2/

Fouts, K. L., Poudyal, N. C., Moore, R., Herrin, J., & Wilde, S. B. (2017). Informed stakeholder support for managing invasive Hydrilla verticillata linked to wildlife deaths in a Southeastern reservoir. Lake and Reservoir Management, 33(3), 260–269. https://doi.org/10.1080/10402381.2017.1334017

Head, L. (2017). The social dimensions of invasive plants. Nature Plants, 3(6). https://doi.org/10.1038/nplants.2017.75

Kent, M. L., & Taylor, M. (1998). Building dialogic relationships through the World Wide Web. Public Relations Review, 24(3), 321-334. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0363-8111(99)80143-X

Kent, M. L., & Taylor, M. (2021). Fostering dialogic engagement: toward an architecture of social media for social change. Social Media + Society, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305120984462

Loizzo, J., Krebs, C., Nickerson, C., Vu, A., Stokes, P., Kandzer, M., Milligan, L., & Carnevale, S. (2023). Streaming science #4: Using podcasts for engagement with your target audience. EDIS, 2023(3). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-WC432-2023

Rajan, A., Savchenko, O.M., Prince, C., & Leary, J. (2023, July 23 - 25). Evaluating stakeholder preferences for aquatic invasive plant management: Evidence from a choice experiment in Florida. Agricultural & Applied Economics Association, Annual Meeting, Washington DC. https://www.aaea.org/UserFiles/file/am23-pro-v3-FINAL.pdf

Strickland, B. K., Brooke, J. M., Zischke, M. T., & Lashley, M. A. (2021). Podcasting as a tool to take conservation education online. Ecology and Evolution, 11(8), 3597–3606. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7353

van der Sanden, M. C. A., & Meijman, F. J. (2008). Dialogue guides awareness and understanding of science: an essay on different goals of dialogue leading to different science communication approaches. Public Understanding of Science, 17(1), 89-103. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963662506067376

Warner, L. A., Israel, G. D., & Diaz, J. M. (2019). Identifying and meeting the needs of Extension’s target audiences. EDIS, 2019(3). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-wc336-2019

Yuan, S., Oshita, T., AbiGhannam, N., Dudo, A., Besley J. C., & Koh, H. E. (2017). Two-way communication between scientists and the public: A view from science communication trainers in North America. International Journal of Science Education, Part B, 7(4), 341-355. https://doi.org/10.1080/21548455.2017.1350789

Yuan, S., Kanthawala, S., & Ott-Fulmore, T. (2022). “Listening” to science: Science podcasters’ view and practice in strategic science communication. Science Communication, 44(2), 200–222. https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470211065068