Erica Mandy is leading a movement to enjoy the news again.
So she decided to do something about it.
In 2017, Mandy quit her dream journalism job in Los Angeles to create and launch the podcasttheNewsWorthy.
“I wanted to find a way to keep people informed that wasn’t as depressing as traditional media,” says Mandy, “I wanted to share the news in a new way.” Photo courtesy of Erica Mandy
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
I remember my first broadcast journalism class at Indiana University, Mandy says.
I enjoyed telling stories by weaving writing, sound and video.
I fell in love with broadcasting.
She earned just $10 an hour.
My favorite part of the job was getting to tell stories that mattered, Mandy says.
That word kept coming up over and over and over again.
An idea began to brew in Mandys mind.
I wanted to share the news in a new way.
But Mandy sought to create something different.
Mandy eventually landed on the idea of creating a short podcast and theNewsWorthy was born.
I had a big decision to make, she recalls.
Before Mandy launched theNewsWorthy, she conducted research to find out if her idea resonated with the public.
I ran a survey, and got really positive feedback, Mandy explains.
That feedback was enough for me to say, I have to give this a try.
I felt so passionate about this idea, Mandy adds.
I had never felt this key in of excitement before.
All I wanted to do was work on this project.
She left CBS Los Angeles in June 2017, and launched theNewsWorthy in September.
Launching a Podcast
Creating a podcast is no easy task.
I wanted to see to it all my systems were in place, she recalls.
The trial week helped me get my nerves out.
Mandy emailed several people at Apple who could make the decision to feature her show.
I sent them a pitch, Mandy explains.
That was huge for me, Mandy remembers.
A Different Kind of Daily Routine
Mandys day is split into two distinct parts.
Monetizing comes later, although shes ahead of schedule, already generating revenue.
Mandy now charges between $3,000 to $7,000 per speaking gig.
After that, theres no ceiling, and the possibilities are endless.
Could You Start a Podcast?
Mandy has some advice for those who want to follow in her footsteps.
If youre growing, youre going in the right direction.
Use the experience you already have
Mandy encourages future podcasters to lean on the experience theyve built up.
I couldnt have done this right out of college, she explains.
Without 10 years of traditional media experience, I wouldnt have the credibility I have now.
Dont wait to start a podcast
Mandy encourages would-be podcasters to jump in now.
Now is the time to get into podcasting, Mandy says.
Its growing so quickly.
Smart speakers are coming out.
Google just launched a podcast app.
Thats a sign right there that the industry is growing.
Be patient and remember your why
Patience is key.
It takes time to build an audience, and success likely wont happen overnight.
Ive put in a lot of sweat equity, Mandy explains.
The podcast is just the first phase of what Mandy hopes theNewsWorthy brand will become as it grows.
Shes currently working on a listener-supported model which will back both the show and different nonprofit organizations.
She also wants to eventually expand the brand to mobile/digital video with the right distribution partner.
Im working harder than Ive ever worked before, but its worth it, Mandy says.
Shes a news junkie herself, and a loyal listener of theNewsWorthy!
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