Jessica Brou, marketing and sales manager at Optimum Media, the publishing group behind the future channel 7info, has launched her podcast called "Conversation privée" (Private Conversation). Available on the main podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcast, Deezer, etc.), this new podcast was designed to explore and reveal the success stories of the people who are shaping Africa today.
You have launched the "Conversation privée" podcast. Can you tell us more about it? Why this theme? Who are the speakers?
"Conversation Privée" is a podcast that I created with the idea of interviewing, every two weeks, people who work in French-speaking Africa and who want to share their experience and the reality on the ground in various fields. I find that returning to and settling in French-speaking Africa is romanticized. With this podcast, we are trying to get a more pragmatic perspective from those who have lived through this experience. The choice of interviewees is very eclectic.
Why did you choose the podcast format?
I myself consume this type of format, particularly personal and professional development podcasts, without always "finding myself" or "recognizing myself" in what is said. I am currently in the process of building an audience; the business model will come later. For now, I am getting to know my audience, which is mainly young professionals and students. Thirty percent of the podcast's audience is in France, followed by Côte d'Ivoire (20%). Ultimately, I would like to further develop my audience in French-speaking Africa.
What are the benefits? Is the podcast well received by the African public?
Overall, the podcast has been well received by the public. I've had very good feedback because, in my opinion, I think the podcast was a format that was eagerly awaited by the diaspora. Now we need to find a way to promote this format to listeners on the African continent. To do this, we need to enrich the content offering and find other, more innovative ways to distribute it. Listening to a 40-minute podcast in Côte d'Ivoire is still subject to challenges such as the high cost of data and the format's ability to become widely used. Social media and instant messaging apps can be good levers for increasing visibility, even if they make audience measurement more complicated.
Podcasts raise questions about their future on the continent and their ability to become widely used. What is your view?
The advantage of the podcast format is that it allows people to do other activities at the same time. And it is clear that people have less and less time to consume long-form content. With podcasts, it is possible to combine content consumption with other activities.