In the digital age, podcasts have become a valuable source of information and entertainment, often cited in academic and professional writing. However, properly citing a podcast in MLA (Modern Language Association) format can be a bit tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the guidelines. Below are five easy steps to ensure your podcast citations are accurate and compliant with MLA 9th edition standards.
1. Identify the Key Elements
Before you begin, gather the essential information needed for the citation. For a podcast, these typically include: - Host or Performer Name(s) - Title of the Episode (in quotation marks) - Title of the Podcast (in italics) - Publisher or Network - Publication Date - URL or DOI (if available)
2. Basic MLA Podcast Citation Structure
The general format for citing a podcast in MLA is as follows:
Last Name, First Name of Host/Performer. “Title of Episode.” Title of Podcast, Publisher or Network, Publication Date, URL.
Example:
Smith, John. “The Evolution of Digital Media.” Tech Talk, Tech Trends Network, 15 Mar. 2023, www.techtalk.com/episode123.
3. Citing a Podcast with Multiple Hosts
If the podcast has multiple hosts or performers, include all their names in the citation, separated by commas.
Example:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “The Future of AI.” Innovation Hub, Tech Insights, 20 Apr. 2023, www.innovationhub.org/episode456.
4. Handling Missing Information
Sometimes, you may not have all the required details. Here’s how to handle missing information: - No Publication Date: Use “n.d.” (no date) in place of the date. - No URL: Omit it if the podcast is not accessible online. - No Publisher: Use the production company or network name if available.
Example with Missing Date:
Doe, Jane. “Sustainable Living Tips.” Green Life, n.d., www.greenlife.org/episode789.
5. In-Text Citation
When referencing the podcast in your text, use the author-page number format if available. Since podcasts don’t have page numbers, include the host’s last name and a shortened version of the episode title in parentheses.
Example: (Smith, “Evolution of Digital Media”)
If the host’s name is mentioned in the sentence, include only the episode title in parentheses.
Example: John Smith discusses the impact of digital media in his episode “The Evolution of Digital Media.”
Key Takeaway: Properly citing a podcast in MLA format requires attention to detail, but by following these steps, you can ensure your citations are accurate and professional. Always double-check your citations to avoid errors.
Can I cite a podcast without a URL?
+Yes, if the podcast is not accessible online, you can omit the URL. However, include as much information as possible, such as the publisher or network name.
How do I cite a podcast episode with no host listed?
+If no host is listed, start the citation with the title of the episode in quotation marks, followed by the title of the podcast in italics.
What if the podcast episode has no publication date?
+Use "n.d." (no date) in place of the publication date in your citation.
Can I cite a podcast transcript instead of the audio?
+Yes, if you’re citing a transcript, treat it as a separate source and include details like the transcript’s publisher or website.
How do I cite a podcast in MLA if it’s part of a series?
+Include the episode title in quotation marks, followed by the podcast title in italics. If the series is relevant, mention it in the citation, but it’s not required.
By mastering these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to cite podcasts in MLA format confidently, ensuring your academic or professional work maintains credibility and adheres to proper citation standards.
