12 November 2025

Dr Alex Mitchell hosts a discussion on fandom and audiences – their evolution and differing impact on society throughout history – with his co-educators at NUS Communications and New Media, Associate Professor Zhang Weiyu (also Director of the Civic Tech Lab) and Dr Bertha Chin

Key Points in this Episode
01:00 The definition of fandom
02.20 Who studies fandom and audiences?
04:56 The present and future of fandom and fan studies
06:49 Fandom in China
07:46 Misconceptions the public may have about fans
11:48 Is fandom a new phenomenon?
14:12 The impact of technology and media on fandom
19:51 What sort of relationship do creators have with their fans?
23:37 What distinguishes fans from other audiences