Ethics of Podcast Research

Abstract

The emergent field of podcast research is typically devoid of critical reflection on the ethical borderlands of digital lurking and personal data protection. This article draws on methodological literature, guidelines for digital media studies, legislation, and knowledge produced by the emerging podcast-ethnographic research field to expound three ethical considerations: (i) determining whether the podcast contains sensitive or personal data; (ii) distinguishing between publicly and openly available podcasts; (iii) reflecting critically on whether to use an overt or covert intervention. These ethical considerations provide a rough guide for reflexive ethics of podcast research.