Media communication in archival science: analysis of the «Archives in context» podcast experience

Abstract

The article examines the critical transformation of archival science in the era of global digitalization and the rise of «new media». The primary focus of the study is the professional podcast Archives in Context, produced by the Society of American Archivists. Through a comprehensive analysis, the research elucidates the unique role of podcasting technology in advancing professional archival communities and preserving historical memory, positioning it as a vital adjunct to traditional scholarly communication. Utilizing a multifaceted methodology – including content analysis to determine thematic scope and narrative analysis to reveal the nuances of professional archival discourse – the study demonstrates that podcasting facilitates a shift from «closed» institutional systems to open platforms for public engagement. The findings corroborate that the audio format serves as an effective instrument for articulating the «behind-the-scenes», complex, and often emotive aspects of archival labor, while also addressing ethical dilemmas in records appraisal in a language accessible to broader audiences. The article concludes with evidence-based recommendations for adapting and integrating international best practices into the archival system of Kazakhstan and modernizing the field of oral history.