Podcasting
Podcasting
is method of publishing audio programs via the internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed of new files (usually MP3s). You can then listen to the file any time on your computer or digital audio players like Apple’s iPod (hence ‘pod’casting). It’s used to download everything from radio programs, to university lectures and short audio pieces by independent online bloggers.
Users have to subscribe to a podcast service, much like subscribing to an email newsletter.
Once someone subscribes to a podcast, new recordings automatically appear on their computers and, if they’re using the appropriate software, on their digital audio and music players.
An advantage for users is that while streaming audio (i.e. listening to the radio via the internet) uses a lot of bandwidth, downloading a pod file requires less and once it is on your computer or music player you don’t need to be online at all.
In Australia the growth of podcasting has been fuelled by its adoption and active promotion by ABC Radio as a channel for its programs. Podcasting allows people to easily listen to their chosen radio shows when they have the time, instead of when they’re being broadcast.
Nonprofits that hold talks or conferences might consider making recordings available after the event.
More information
- See Wikipedia’s discussion of podcasting.
- Directories of podcasts can be found at a variety of websites, such as Podcast, PodcastingNews and also the BBC. Search for ‘Podcast directories’.
- Guides to how to publish podcasts can be found at websites such as iPodder and at PodWagon.