INTERVIEW: REBECCA LAVOIE OF NHPR — Part 2 (on True Crime)
Shreya Sharma (SS): The genre of True Crime can sometimes earn an unfavorable reputation. However, it continues to hold its own. Why do you think that is?
Rebecca Lavoie (RL): The issue is that defining "true crime" is a problem for the podcast industry. If you look at that category on any podcast app, you'll see chat shows, comedy shows, and the occasional deep-dive journalism project. Not all these things are for everyone, and some deservedly give the genre a bad name. But most fans of narrative audio appreciate a great story that's told in a responsible and compelling way, no matter how it's cataloged.
SS: How do you see the genre of True Crime evolving?
RL: I'm going to limit my answer to narrative true crime, which is evolving in myriad ways. First, we are hearing fewer cases with murder as the central crime (Bear Brook Season 2 being an exception, of course). Frauds, scams, catfishing, thievery — they are all having their moment. But most notably, and what makes me the most excited, is the continued trend of looking at the deep flaws in our criminal justice system, including wrongful convictions, prosecutorial and police misconduct, and the gross disparity of injustices committed against people of color.
SS: Tell us what NHPR is working on that we can keep an ear out for this year.
RL: "Civics 101" is a podcast everyone should be listening to, especially as so many norms of our democracy continue to be under threat. But for fans of narrative audio like Bear Brook, "Outside/In" is a must-listen week after week. Starting in mid-March, that show will be releasing a multi-part series I am SO excited about. It's called The Underdogs, and it's a confounding story about accusations of fraud inside the insular community of elite dog-sledding. It's WILD, and I can't wait for everyone to hear it.