What is a
podcast?
Many of you have heard the term podcast before, but may have
no idea what it actually means. Simply, podcasting is the
concept of downloading or streaming an online audio
broadcast in a digital format that can be played back in a
variety of media devices, including your computer. In fact,
it was recently reported that 80% of podcast episodes are
consumed on a PC, and were never transferred to a portable
media device, like an Apple iPod. Many podcast are also
streamed live on the internet, alleviating the need to
download the actual audio file. Most podcasts contain audio
only, but many are starting to include video content.
The term podcast: Where did it come from?
The term podcasting is quite confusing and misleading for
many people. Like blogging before it, many people have heard
of podcasting, but really don't know what it entails. The
"pod" within the term podcast was coined from the popular
digital music player the iPod, and "cast" is short for
broadcast. This term is also misleading, because an iPod is
not necessary when listening to podcasts.
Use of podcasts
Podcasting's initial aim was to create an avenue for the
public to distribute personal radio style programs, but
quickly spread to a wide variety of additional uses.
Podcasts may be used to distribute corporate information,
political agendas, audio tours, or provide public safety
messages. Podcasting is also becoming especially popular in
education. Podcasting enables teachers and faculty to
communicate course curriculums, assignments, and other
pertinent information with parents on a regular basis.
How do people receive podcasts?
Many sites offer the option of directly downloading or
streaming their podcasts, but podcasts have the ability to
be automatically downloaded which is also known as
syndication. The best way to obtain podcast programming is
to use a podcast aggregator. A podcast aggregator is
software used to subscribe and automatically receive
podcasts that are syndicated. This ability to effortlessly
and conveniently receive updated, relevant, and fresh
content is part of what makes podcasting so powerful.
The future of podcasting
Consumer controlled content is clearly the future for both
audio and video media outlets. With podcasting, consumers
are in control of when, what, and how they want to listen to
or view their daily programming. Podcast production and
distribution is also less expensive than traditional media
which has led to a proliferation of available podcast
content. All over the world, a variety of people are
creating podcasts on a diverse assortment of subjects
ranging from the preparation of exotic cuisine, to music, to
politics, and millions of other topics.