Questions for “Serial”, the podcast
1. The first episode begins with information about the podcast's sponsor. Like many
types of media, podcast creators make money by selling advertising space. Podcast
creators have to think carefully about who they sell advertising space—or in this case,
time—to because it can affect the way the listener responds to the rest of the text.
Who were the sponsors mentioned at the beginning of the podcast and what are they
selling? (You may have to do a bit of research in order to find out who the sponsors
are and what they do) What predictions can you make about the nature of the
podcast based on the advertisers?
The sponsor mentioned at the beginning of the podcast was Lemonada Media. Andy Slavitt,
the creator of the series In the Bubble, notifies people on what the White House has learned
about “equality, society and ourselves” and how to “build a better America”. I predict that the
nature of this podcast will be about equality in the justice system, politicians and society.
2. The episode opens with a recording and music. Describe the recording and the music.
Each episode opens with this recording and music. What kind of tone do they set for
the podcast? In addition to creating atmosphere, what purpose does the music serve?
The music that plays when the episode opens sounds like an old hip-hop beat. The kind of tone
the recording and music sets for this podcast is very relaxed yet suspenseful. From the music
alone, I was curious to listen more to what the narrator had to say. In addition to creating
atmosphere, the purpose that the music serves are to aid in interrupting important points made.
3. Describe the narrator's style of talking. Is she very formal or informal? Provide an
example to support your answer. How does her tone affect the way you respond to the
content?
The narrator’s style of talking is extremely informal. For example, when she uses slang such
as “wanna”, and she uses explicit language. Her tone affects the way I respond to the content
because as a teenager I use a lot of slang daily and it is not as intimidating to digest.
4. The narrator, Sarah Koenig, is not the only person you hear speak in the podcast.
When does she include other voices and why do you think she might do this? What
affect does it have on the narrative and listener's responses to hear more than one
voice?
She includes other voices at approximately three minutes and twelve seconds. I think she did
this so that the audience would stay engaged and interested in the podcast. I enjoyed the way
she added “guests” throughout the podcast, it kept me focused and I could have a better
understanding of what she was describing.
5. At the center of this podcast is the question of Adnan Syed's guilt. Does Sarah Koenig
reveal any bias for or against Syed in this episode? How can you tell?
I do believe that Sarah Koeing does have some bias towards Syed in this episode. I can tell
that she thought he was innocent because while speaking, she drops some hints that she
believes that he is innocent.
6. Based on this episode alone, if you had to rule on Syed's guilt or innocence, what
1. The first episode begins with information about the podcast's sponsor. Like many
types of media, podcast creators make money by selling advertising space. Podcast
creators have to think carefully about who they sell advertising space—or in this case,
time—to because it can affect the way the listener responds to the rest of the text.
Who were the sponsors mentioned at the beginning of the podcast and what are they
selling? (You may have to do a bit of research in order to find out who the sponsors
are and what they do) What predictions can you make about the nature of the
podcast based on the advertisers?
The sponsor mentioned at the beginning of the podcast was Lemonada Media. Andy Slavitt,
the creator of the series In the Bubble, notifies people on what the White House has learned
about “equality, society and ourselves” and how to “build a better America”. I predict that the
nature of this podcast will be about equality in the justice system, politicians and society.
2. The episode opens with a recording and music. Describe the recording and the music.
Each episode opens with this recording and music. What kind of tone do they set for
the podcast? In addition to creating atmosphere, what purpose does the music serve?
The music that plays when the episode opens sounds like an old hip-hop beat. The kind of tone
the recording and music sets for this podcast is very relaxed yet suspenseful. From the music
alone, I was curious to listen more to what the narrator had to say. In addition to creating
atmosphere, the purpose that the music serves are to aid in interrupting important points made.
3. Describe the narrator's style of talking. Is she very formal or informal? Provide an
example to support your answer. How does her tone affect the way you respond to the
content?
The narrator’s style of talking is extremely informal. For example, when she uses slang such
as “wanna”, and she uses explicit language. Her tone affects the way I respond to the content
because as a teenager I use a lot of slang daily and it is not as intimidating to digest.
4. The narrator, Sarah Koenig, is not the only person you hear speak in the podcast.
When does she include other voices and why do you think she might do this? What
affect does it have on the narrative and listener's responses to hear more than one
voice?
She includes other voices at approximately three minutes and twelve seconds. I think she did
this so that the audience would stay engaged and interested in the podcast. I enjoyed the way
she added “guests” throughout the podcast, it kept me focused and I could have a better
understanding of what she was describing.
5. At the center of this podcast is the question of Adnan Syed's guilt. Does Sarah Koenig
reveal any bias for or against Syed in this episode? How can you tell?
I do believe that Sarah Koeing does have some bias towards Syed in this episode. I can tell
that she thought he was innocent because while speaking, she drops some hints that she
believes that he is innocent.
6. Based on this episode alone, if you had to rule on Syed's guilt or innocence, what
