Podcast Technology Brings In-depth News and Consumer Tips to Seniors
Older New Jersey seniors are not just getting their news from their local newspapers, the nation’s most-read magazine, AARP The Magazine, or from the local evening news, or from cable. Using internet technology, over three months ago, the Washington, D.C.-based AARP made digital audio files, or pod casts, available on the internet for downloading on a computer or mobile device, to provide tips on how seniors can protect themselves against fraud. Using pod cast technology, the nation’s largest aging advocacy group now brings in-depth news interviews on timely topics to computer savvy seniors.
On April 6, AARP announced the launching of a series, “The Perfect Scam,” cohosted by Will Johnson, an award-winning producer and veteran podcast host, and AARP Fraud Watch Network Ambassador Frank Abagnale, an FBI fraud consultant whose story was told in a best-selling book “Catch Me If You Can” and a 2002 move of the same name, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, profiling American’s most notable consumer scam stories.
Protecting Yourself from Scammers
In the 12-episode series, Abagnale and Johnson pull back the curtain on how ordinary consumers are easily victimized by scammers. Each episode includes interviews with victims, professional con artists and other leading experts, speaking about how scammers operate and arming pod cast listeners with specific tips to protect themselves. The show is available on www.AARP.org/The PerfectScam, or listeners can stream, download or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Spotify, Stitcher and Tunein.
“‘The Perfect Scam’ is everyone’s story, because none of us wants to be played, yet we’re all vulnerable,” said AARP Fraud Watch Network Ambassador Frank Abagnale in a statement. “In the first episode, we meet Richard. He’s nurtured a lifetime of skepticism as an unsentimental journalist, but he’s long retired now. When a call reports his grandson is in trouble, will his doubt or his distress prevail? Tune in, and I’ll expose it all,” says Abagnale.
Adds, Jeffrey Eagle, VP of AARP Studios, which produced the series, “With ‘The Perfect Scam,’ we wanted to make a podcast series that feels real and informative.” He asks, “Will Johnson’s curiosity combined with Frank Abagnale’s experiences and expertise build on two of AARP’s core strengths: fighting fraud and producing original content that aims to make a difference.”
Frank Abagnale, who was named AARP Fraud Watch Network Ambassador in 2015, has been associated with the FBI for more than 40 years, and has even consulted with hundreds of financial institutions, corporations and government agencies around the world.
Will Johnson has been hosting and producing content for the internet for most of his professional career. Johnson produced, launched and oversaw Discovery Networks’ first-ever audio and video podcasts, winning a Webby Award and an Emmy nomination along the way. He even traveled to Alaska to interview the captains of Discovery’s “Deadliest Catch” and hosted Discovery’s longest-running news and science audio podcast.
Bringing Timely Topics to You
On June 2, AARP launched a second weekly podcast, An AARP Take on Today,” hosted Veteran Radio Host Bob Edwards, the original and longtime host of NPR’s flagship program “Morning Edition.” According to AARP, each new episode will feature in-depth news interviews on timely topics.
In announcing the new internet programming, Martha M. Boudreau, AARP Executive Vice President & Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, noted “Podcasts’ growing popularity presents an exciting opportunity for us to deepen our connection with our members and with all those interested in fascinating stories about our country’s changing demographics,”
With “An AARP Take on Today,” working with the acclaimed Bob Edwards, we’re expanding our reach and engagement with the fastest growing segment of listeners,” says Boudreau.
The first three episodes of “An AARP Take on Today” are available for streaming and download at AARP.org/podcasts, Apple.podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify and Tuneln. The episodes cover investments in cutting-edge dementia research, the influence of 50-plus voters in the 2018 midterm elections, and the devastating impact of social isolation on older Americans.
“Teaming up with AARP for ‘Take on Today’ is a truly powerful opportunity to connect with listeners about news that’s relevant to their lives,” said host Bob Edwards in a statement announcing the new weekly podcast. “With this show, we hope to bring something new yet familiar – not just to AARP members, but to all podcast listeners who want to be informed and entertained. This show is about conversations that matter,” adds Edwards.
AARP’s podcast host brings prestigious credetials to the weekly series. He has a hosted “Morning Edition” from its premiere in 1979 until 2004; and co-hosted NPR’s evening news magazine, “All Things Considered,” from 1974 to 1979. He also received the duPont-Columbia Award for radio journalism, a George Foster Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting, and the Edward R. Murrow Award for outstanding contributions to public radio. In addition, in November of 2004, Edwards was inducted into the national Radio Hall of Fame.
Tune in and enjoy.