The Rise of Podcasting at The Wall Street Journal: A Conversation with Patterson

In the ever-evolving landscape of media, podcasts have emerged as a powerful tool for storytelling and information dissemination. At the forefront of this audio revolution is The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), which has seen a remarkable transformation in its podcast offerings since 2023, under the leadership of Patterson, the new head of audio.

Patterson’s transition from the Standards and Ethics team to the audio realm has not only invigorated WSJ’s podcasting approach but has also resulted in significant growth. The Journal, WSJ’s flagship podcast, has become a formidable competitor to its crosstown rival’s popular show, The Daily. Under Patterson’s guidance, listener volume across the WSJ audio network has surged by an impressive 20 percent year-over-year, showcasing the growing appetite for quality journalism in podcast form.

One of Patterson’s key insights into podcasting is the importance of respecting the listener’s time. In a landscape where attention spans are dwindling, she emphasizes the need for brevity. “A lot of shows are just far too long,” she notes, reflecting on the common pitfall many podcasters encounter. While listeners are generally forgiving and willing to invest their time, Patterson has observed a consistent preference for shorter episodes. This feedback has prompted her team to address show-length creep in their programming, ensuring that each episode is concise and engaging.

The WSJ’s commitment to delivering high-quality, time-efficient content is a testament to its understanding of audience needs. By focusing on shorter formats that respect listeners’ time, Patterson and her team are not only enhancing the listening experience but also setting a benchmark for other podcasters to follow.

As The Wall Street Journal continues to innovate in the audio space, it remains clear that Patterson’s leadership is steering the publication toward new heights in podcasting. With a focus on quality, brevity, and audience engagement, the future of WSJ’s audio content looks promising, catering to the evolving preferences of its listeners.