Final answer:
Podcasts are favored because they are portable and offer a versatile alternative to written content, with a wide range of shows and celebrity involvement making them more accessible and engaging.
Step-by-step explanation:
Audience members like podcasts because they are highly portable and offer an alternative to written content. This flexibility and accessibility have contributed to the podcast medium's immense popularity. Unlike traditional radio, which has specific broadcast times and locations, podcasts can be listened to at any time and on various devices, making it convenient for users who are on the move. As there is a proliferation of shows and celebrity involvement, audiences can select from a wide array of content that suits their preferences. Furthermore, new technologies such as smart speakers have boosted awareness and ease of access to podcasts. These attributes underscore the cultural shift towards more accessible and representative speech, facilitated by new media formats like podcasts, which empower social, political, and economic activism.