A podcast is a series of digital media files, either audio or video, that is released episodically and downloaded through web syndication. Accessing podcasts is done by downloading or streaming the published files, or by using a “podcatcher” (eg. iTunes, Zune, Juice or Winamp which are compatible with both Mac and PC) which will automatically identify files for download. To make a podcast, you need a website to publish the files, and a computer with recording software (and a microphone) to make the podcast. Recording software can include anything from the most professional sound recording software, like protools, to free software over the interenet, like audacity. Once the sound file is published, you can make an RRS feed and if you want; join the iTunes Podcast Directory, so that your audience can be updated regularly. With podcasts, the subscribers will be able to receive automatic updates, while regular publishing of audio online requires the audience to ‘seek’ the information by themselves.
Some successful podcasts:
1. The triple J new music podcast- allows subscribers to regularly receive music from both well known and undiscovered Australian artists for free.
2. Soul of Songwriting podcast- a popular podcast which provides useful advice for musicians and songwriting in all areas of lifestyle. The publisher, Joshua Pearl, has effectively used the internet to link between his musical projects and is now touring America, giving further advice to people who need it.
3. Sub Pop Podcast- it allows the successful record label to promote their music directly to the people who are interested in it.
4. Engadget Podcast- is allows subscribers to automatically receive updates about the newest technological advances as Engadget reviews them.
5. Penguin Books Podcast- enables the subscribers to receive updates about the latest book releases, as well as interviews with authors.
An example of a potential hosting site for podcasts is findpodcasts.com.
The advantage for this site is that it allows people to publish podcasts in a directory format. The disadvantage of a site like this is that podcasts are listed in order of popularity, making it difficult for fledgling podcasts to gain exposure.
Another example of a hosting platform is blogs like blogger.com or wordpress.com
These sites allow you to give the podcast context within a blog, and thereby allow you to link to other blogs.
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